Rapid tests revealed 532 positive COVID-19 cases

Within this framework, the Head of State reported that 10,104 rapid tests have already been conducted, of which merely 532 resulted positive.

In total, 

330,000 of such units have arrived in the South American country and been distributed to the regions through the regional Health directorates.

"The idea with rapid tests is to have a greater support than what we already have with molecular tests. This way, we will be able to identify positive cases faster, so that —with the corresponding care— they avoid continuing to infect others," he explained.

Rapid tests are not a substitute for (more specialized) molecular tests but are complementary. They are aimed at identifying in which areas or neighborhoods the COVID-19 is present. They do not require the use of laboratories and are directly carried out. Results can be ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

Rapid tests have been distributed to the regions: Amazonas (700); Ancash (2,800); Apurimac (700); Arequipa (2,800); Ayacucho (700); Cajamarca, Callao, and Cusco (2,800); Huancavelica (700); Huanuco (2,800); Ica (2,800); Junin (2,800); La Libertad (5,250); Lambayeque (2,800); Loreto (2,800); Madre de Dios (2,800); Moquegua (700); Pasco (700); Piura (2,800); Puno (700); San Martin (2,800); Tacna (700); Tumbes (2,800); and Ucayali (700).

On the other hand, the President said that there are 9 laboratories authorized by the Ministry of Health to conduct molecular tests in the regions. These are found in Cajamarca, Cusco, La Libertad, Loreto, Piura, San Martín, Tumbes, Arequipa, and Lambayeque.

Remarks were made in a televised press conference, within the framework of a mandatory social isolation imposed to prevent the COVID-19 from further spreading in the South American country.

On this occasion, the President was joined by members of the Council of Ministers. The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.

Tuesday marks the twenty-third day of mandatory social isolation.