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Peru's Health Min: Let's behave as if we had COVID-19 so as not to infect others

13:13 | Lima, Aug. 10.

For the fight against the pandemic to be effective, all citizens need to take precautionary measures and behave as if they already had COVID-19 in order to prevent others from becoming infected, Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti said on Monday.

Within this framework, the high-ranking official announced that efforts will be redoubled at the primary care level to avoid complications in those who already have the virus.

The Cabinet member pointed out that —in recent weeks— a higher number of COVID-19 cases has been registered, which has put hospitals' capacity to the test.

Despite this, irresponsible behavior has been evidenced by part of the population that does not respect social distancing rules.

"We must all behave as if we had the virus," Mazzetti expressed, insisting on the recommendation to wear a face mask, stay at least one meter away from other people, wash hands frequently, as well as

use face shields in public transportation and places where there is overcrowding.

The minister said that taking measures to restrict activities is being evaluated in order to avoid more infections. For its part, the ministry is reinforcing the primary care level —through visits and phone calls— to detect and quickly contact patients.

Regarding the situation in regions, she affirmed that the effort made by local authorities to face the pandemic will continue being supported.

Finally, the minister assured that the researchers —who are developing rapid molecular tests— will be able to start the field validation this week.

(END) NDP/KGR/MVB

Publicado: 10/8/2020