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Peru: Health Ministry requests citizens to remain alert to possible second COVID-19 wave

15:14 | Lima, Sep. 22.

All the COVID-19 indicators are decreasing in Peru. However, citizens must be alert and not lower their guard against the possibility of a second wave, especially after witnessing what is happening in several European countries, Deputy Public Health Minister Luis Suarez affirmed on Tuesday.

"We are attentive to what is happening in Europe. We can't assure that the same won't happen in Peru or any other country in the Americas," he expressed.

"What has been observed in Europe is that, between four to five months after the first epidemic peaks, its countries are having true outbreaks or second waves. This has been observed in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. Therefore, it is not an isolated phenomenon; it is something that is occurring in a common way," he indicated.

Suarez said that —although the numbers of new COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations show a sustained decline in all Peruvian regions— the pandemic-related figures could increase in any part of the country.

The government official added that the places with the highest risk are those which have been least impacted by COVID-19, such as the case of Lima, where 25% of the population already has antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. However, 75% still is susceptible to contagion.

In this sense, he urged the population to continue taking all precautionary measures, such as maintaining social distance, wearing face masks properly, and abstaining from holding in-person meetings in order to avoid the spread of the virus.

Protege a tu seres queridos de la #COVID19 evitando las reuniones familiares y las aglomeraciones.

Recuerda, #LaSaludDependeDeTodos #NoBajemosLaGuardia pic.twitter.com/NwhdWzRBb3
— Ministerio de Salud (@Minsa_Peru) September 22, 2020