Andina

Peru: Health Ministry confirms slight increase in Lima COVID-19 cases

Photo: ANDINA/Eddy Ramos

Photo: ANDINA/Eddy Ramos

10:56 | Lima, Dec. 6.

Covid-19 cases in the Peruvian capital, Lima, have experienced a slight increase in recent weeks.

According to the Health Ministry's Immunization Directorate, there are between 20 and 30 more cases daily than the usual average.

"Currently, we have a slight increase, but there is no outbreak (of COVID-19) in the country. We can only talk about an outbreak if there is an increase in infected people in most regions," Immunizations Director at the Health Ministry (Minsa) Maria Martinez told Andina news agency.

The districts of the capital where most cases have been reported are: San Juan de Lurigancho, Los Olivos, San Martin de Porres, Comas, Villa El Salvador, and Villa Maria del Triunfo.

The official affirmed that about 90% of people with COVID-19 are in home isolation, whereas a minimal percentage of infected citizens are hospitalized, although in stable condition thanks to vaccination against this virus.

"Generally, patients hospitalized for COVID-19 have comorbidities, that is, they suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, are (either) obese or oncological patients. Therefore, we urge them to get vaccinated against the virus so that the disease does not become complicated," she said.

Martinez specified that the Omicron variant continues to predominate in Peru and that, so far, only one case of the new sublineage BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, has been reported.

She said another area of the country also of concern is northern Piura region, where the number of infected people has increased significantly.

Thus, the respective evaluations are conducted to determine if it would eventually be an outbreak.

(END) ICI/RRC/MVB

Publicado: 6/12/2023