Andina

10,000 Peruvians repatriated during COVID-19 state of emergency

13:05 | Lima, Apr. 16.

Some 10,000 Peruvians —who had been outside the national territory during the state of emergency linked to the coronavirus (COVID-19)— were repatriated on humanitarian flights, President Martin Vizcarra reported on Thursday.


As the top official remarked, the situation demanded an action plan. Thus, the Foreign Affairs Ministry —along with the National Civil Defense Institute, and the Foreign Trade-Tourism Ministry— led the corresponding returns.

The returnees were taken for 15-day quarantine and tested to determine if they had been infected with COVID-19.

According to the President, several of them had been transferred to the Lima-based Pan American Village buildings —which are appropriately equipped for coronavirus cases— until they recover and are allowed to return to their homes.

This effort will also include compatriots who —during the state of emergency— stayed in Peruvian regions that were not their own, he stressed.

Therefore, the collaboration and commitment of regional governors will be needed, so that this internal transfer occurs in an order of priority that starts with the most vulnerable citizens.

The idea is for the mobility to be gradual, thus avoiding the risks of contagion.

Remarks were made in a televised press conference, within the framework of 
a mandatory social isolation imposed to prevent the COVID-19 from further spreading in the South American country.


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

Thursday marks the thirty-second day of mandatory social isolation.

(END) VVS/MVB


Published: 4/16/2020