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Get to know COVID-19 measures announced by Peru on day 19 of emergency response

00:00 | Lima, Apr. 4.

President Martin Vizcarra announced the new measures adopted by Peru as part of the state of national emergency declared in response to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the South American country.

Below is a list of the main announcements made on day 19 of the emergency response:

1. The Head of State reported 181 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Peru, bringing the total number to 1,595. A total of 17,334 samples have been processed, 15,739 of which tested negative. The number of confirmed cases accounts for 9% of the total.

2. The launch of the mobile app "Peru in Your Hands" —developed by students from the National University of Engineering (UNI)— which provides three important functionalities: digital triage, maps of coronavirus affected areas, and assistance, if necessary.

3. The implementation of Reactiva Peru, a program by which the Public Treasury will grant a guarantee of S/30 billion (about US$8.675 billion) to 350,000 companies in the country, of which 314,000 are micro-enterprises —each of them with less than 10 workers. The aim is to secure the payment chain.

4. More than 7,000 Peruvians have been repatriated and another 3,000 are expected to be benefited. Upon return, they are quarantined for two weeks in different hotels. The first group of repatriated nationals will complete their quarantine period on Saturday and will able to go home to continue with social isolation measures.

5. According to the top official, the quarantine is expected to remain in effect until April 12. After that, citizens shall gradually return to their daily lives.

6. He reiterated that face masks are mandatory when outside. A supreme decree has been published with instructions for their manufacturing.

7. More than 1.4 million bonuses (each worth S/380 = about US$107) have already been delivered. The 1.3 million people who have not received such bonus will do so in the course of this week. Starting April 7, bonuses will be delivered to another 800,000 independent workers, with the aim of reaching 3.5 million households. Additionally, analyses are being carried out in order to identify the sectors that need to be served with this benefit. A farming bonus is being considered.

8. Moreover, the top official indicated that more than 3 million Pension Fund Administrator (AFP) clients will be allowed to withdraw their funds for up to S/2,000 (about US$563).

9. Regarding the cut in the salaries of high-ranking officials, he said it depends on each institution. Moreover, he urged people to show solidarity without seeking recognition. "It all adds up. So, all the institutions that expressed willingness to do so should proceed," he said.

10. Toll collection has been suspended at 56 toll booths across the country, including those managed by private concessionaires.

(END) SRE/RMCH/RMB/MVB

Publicado: 4/4/2020