and if this trend continues, the third wave is likely to end in March, Executive Director of Public Health Surveillance at the Ministry of Health (Minsa) Cesar Munayco projected on Monday.
"If it continues this way, in March we will probably have very few confirmed cases. And if there are few cases, there will be few hospitalizations and few deaths. We are heading towards the end of the third wave; we will see the end of this wave in March," he expressed.
National averages
According to his explanation, the average COVID-19 infections at the national level currently are below the level reached during the first wave and slightly above the lowest level of the second wave.
In terms of mortality, cases are still at levels above the second wave but below the first one.
Hospitalizations are also on the decline and ICU bed occupancy decreased by 16%, now reaching 57%.
After reaffirming that it is likely that there will be very low levels in March, the CDC Peru expert explained that there are certain criteria to indicate that the wave is over: that cases are below or equal to the minimum levels of the previous wave and that low levels are maintained for four weeks.
Dr. Munayco pointed out that, despite the downward trend, the population should not neglect but continue complying with biosafety measures, such as wearing face masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds and —most importantly— getting immunized against the disease.
The official reminded citizens that the third dose increases the protection rate from 35 to 75%. Vaccination of children —he said— must also be increased, even more so now that the return to face-to-face classes is approaching.
Lima and regions
Positive infections and mortality from COVID-19 in Metropolitan Lima are below the first wave and slightly above the second —with a downward trend.
In districts such as Ate, San Isidro, Miraflores, Surco, Chorrillos, Villa María del Triunfo, San Juan de Lurigancho, Santa Anita, Rimac, and Comas positive cases are down, as is mortality from this infection.
In Lima region, the current contagion levels are very similar to those of the first wave, with a tendency to decrease during the following weeks. Mortality also continues to decline.
Dr. Munayco mentioned that in Arequipa infections are below those of the first and second waves, while deaths are still above what was observed during the previous waves.
In Amazonas, Ancash, and Apurimac the trend of infections is decreasing, below those of the first and second waves, as well as of mortality.
Meanwhile, in Ica positive cases are slightly above the first and second waves, while mortality continues to decline.
(END) RRC/MVB