In order to provide a high level of response capability to handle eventual suspect cases of coronavirus patients, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has taken a mobile hospital to Air Group No. 8, located next to Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao, near Lima.
The initiative was implemented within the framework of the National Plan, developed in response to the COVID-19 global outbreak alert, and after the announcement of confirmed cases in neighboring countries.
According to Health Minister Elizabeth Hinostroza, the epidemiological surveillance has been reinforced by this mobile project, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Defense (Mindef), Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), and
Lima Airport Partners (LAP).
This modern infrastructure can serve 50 patients and includes an isolation room that meets international biosafety standards to prevent the risk of coronavirus transmission to health care personnel, other patients, and public in general.
Hinostroza gave a tour of the mobile facilities to the media. The place offers adapted equipment and COVID-19 testing kits.
"If patients suspected of having contracted COVID-19 enter the country, they will be required to wear a mask and taken to the hand washing area right away. After that, their temperature will be taken, and will be checked by a doctor who will determine if they have risk factors, like having traveled abroad, coming from Asia, or having been in contact with infected tourists," she stated.
Moreover, the minister explained that if patients fit infection criteria, they will take swab tests, which will be sent —inside a biosafety cabinet— to the National Health Institute (INS), the institution that confirms or rules out COVID-19.
(END) NDP/RES/RMB
Published: 3/2/2020