Andina

Rapid tests revealed 532 positive COVID-19 cases

12:33 | Lima, Apr. 7.

The use of rapid or serological tests have enabled the detection of 532 new positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Peru, which will make it possible to monitor those citizens and prevent them from continuing to infect others, President Martín Vizcarra affirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

Within this framework, the Head of State reported that 10,104 rapid tests have already been conducted, of which merely 532 resulted positive.


"The idea with rapid tests is to have a greater support than what we already have with molecular tests. This way, we will be able to identify positive cases faster, so that —with the corresponding care— they avoid continuing to infect others," he explained.

Rapid tests are not a substitute for (more specialized) molecular tests but are complementary. They are aimed at identifying in which areas or neighborhoods the COVID-19 is present. They do not require the use of laboratories and are directly carried out. Results can be ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

Tests in regions

Rapid tests have been distributed to the regions: Amazonas (700); Ancash (2,800); Apurimac (700); Arequipa (2,800); Ayacucho (700); Cajamarca, Callao, and Cusco (2,800); Huancavelica (700); Huanuco (2,800); Ica (2,800); Junin (2,800); La Libertad (5,250); Lambayeque (2,800); Loreto (2,800); Madre de Dios (2,800); Moquegua (700); Pasco (700); Piura (2,800); Puno (700); San Martin (2,800); Tacna (700); Tumbes (2,800); and Ucayali (700).

Laboratories

On the other hand, the President said that there are 9 laboratories authorized by the Ministry of Health to conduct molecular tests in the regions. These are found in Cajamarca, Cusco, La Libertad, Loreto, Piura, San Martín, Tumbes, Arequipa, and Lambayeque.



On this occasion, the President was joined by members of the Council of Ministers. The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.

Tuesday marks the twenty-third day of mandatory social isolation.

(END) RRC/MVB

Publicado: 7/4/2020