In recent weeks,
Peru has seen a significant decrease —of 11%— in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which is an encouraging figure.
However, the situation in Peru may be similar to that observed in European countries because —after several weeks of a downward trend in cases— Italy, France, and Spain saw a significant increase six months later, thus facing a second wave in the following months.
According to Molinelli, after the peak in March and April, Italy, France, and Spain saw a significant decrease in infections for several weeks, which resulted in relaxed prevention measures.
Nevertheless, 20 weeks after said peak —approximately 5 or 6 months later— they saw a significant surge in infections.
For example, she said, France —with 31,000 cases at its highest peak— reported 329,000 cases 7 months later, while Spain went from 52,000 cases in April to 143,000. Finally, in Italy, the first peak was 39,000 cases and then reached 244,000 new cases.
In addition, the positivity rate in the country stood at 10.4% —one of the lowest since April, which means that merely 10 out of 100 people tested for coronavirus turned out positive.
In this sense, the EsSalud's head
urged Peruvians not to lower their guard to prepare for a possible new increase in cases, as occurred in Europe. The second wave is likely to occur in the first quarter of 2021.
(END) NDP/RRC/RMB/MVB
Published: 12/3/2020