A total of 84
rapid response teams (ERRs), or COVID-19 teams, go door-to-door in Peru's southern Arequipa region looking for infected people and implement an adequate cordon sanitaire to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Each COVID-19 team is made up of a doctor, a nurse, a nursing technician, as well as
Armed Forces staff, who visit the homes of people suspected to have the virus. If a person tests positive, a cordon sanitaire is implemented.
Arequipa-Caylloma Health Network Director Maria Elena Flores reported that these squads have been implemented since the health emergency began, and the number of units has shown a gradual increase since then.
Likewise, she said the Arequipa-Caylloma Network has the largest number of COVID-19 teams (42) for the moment, while other 28 teams are in charge of the health micro networks to serve patients in districts of Arequipa Province.
The Castilla-Condesuyos-La Union Health Network has deployed COVID-19 teams in Cotahuasi (1), Chuquibamba (1), Andagua (1), Corire (1), Aplao (1), and Huancarqui (1), while the Camana-Caraveli Network has sent squads to Chala (1), Acari (1), Caraveli (1), and Camana (1).
Flores reported that part of the COVID-19 teams assigned to the Arequipa-Caylloma Health Network have been earmarked for a regional government's campaign called "Coronavirus-free Neighborhood" in order to patrol the neighborhoods in 18 districts, which have the highest infection rates.
Invisible and deadly enemy
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). These viruses can be transmitted between animals and people.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. It is transmitted from human to human through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. COVID-19 is also transmitted by close contact with people infected by the virus.
(END) RMC/JOT/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 15/7/2020