There is a downward trend in new COVID-19 cases in Peru and a reduction in the number of deaths caused by this disease,
Even though this is not a definitive trend, it is important evidence and in line with the measures adopted by the Government for the next 14 days, he explained.
New cases
Regarding the reduction in new COVID-19 cases, Ugarte emphasized that this information was confirmed by official reports and various researchers who keep track of the pandemic's progression in Peru.
"Until last week, there was a vertical increase in new cases that had remained unchanged," the government official commented.
However, a downward trend is observed this week which, although it cannot be regarded as definitive, it is an important indicator.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Executive Branch announced the lifting of the lockdown in provinces under extreme risk, but decreed mandatory social immobility (curfew) between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. the next day.
Additionally, mandatory social immobilization will be in force all day long on Sundays, March 7 and 14.
Deaths
On the other hand, a decline in the number of deaths has been observed this week —the third week of the "different lockdown"— which is associated with the slowdown in the number of new COVID-19 cases.
Nevertheless, he admitted that the country still faces a critical situation at hospitals, in terms of oxygen supply and availability of ICU beds.