78.9% of the population over 60 years of age in Peru has already received both doses of the vaccine against COVID-19. Thus, its members are already protected against the virus,
The Cabinet member indicated that 77.7% of the population aged 50 and above has been inoculated with two doses, adding that the high rate of citizens vaccinated in these groups of the adult population would explain the decrease in severe cases at ICUs and deaths from the virus over recent weeks.
"This vaccination rate explains why it is that the number of deaths at intensive care (units) does not rise. And it is really good news for which we must congratulate one another, as this is not only the job of a single person; it is the job of health workers, and it also shows the attitude of the population by taking care of their lives, health, and that of their family members," he underlined.
Similarly, the minister revealed that —so far— 83.1% of people aged above 60 have received the first dose, as have 82.7% of those over 50 years.
To date, 14,264,331 citizens have been inoculated with both doses. They account for 50.9% of the target population (which starts at age 12), Cevallos indicated.
The dignitary added that the first dose has been administered to 18,041,567 people in Peru —out of a target population of 28,000,000 citizens.
According to the minister, it means that 64.4% have been inoculated with the first dose, and 50.9% with the second dose.
"We maintain a remarkable control level. The amount of mortality from COVID-19 has not increased substantially throughout the national territory," he stressed.
The government official also affirmed the Health Ministry continues implementing the "Vamos a tu encuentro. Vacunate ya" (We will come to you. Get vaccinated now) strategy by deploying vaccination brigades throughout the country, namely across neighborhoods, at squares, and house by house.
Later, Minister Cevallos reported that 84% of COVID-19 cases in Peru are linked to the
Delta variant, which has made it the prevalent one nationwide.
However, he argued that this prevalence is not reflected in higher mortality in Peru, as it has happened in other countries.
Remarks were made during a press conference held at the Government Palace in Lima.
(END) LIT/MVB