Fin Min: Peru fiscal strength allows taking measures to tackle coronavirus

"The country's fiscal strength gives us fiscal space to take measures precisely to deal with this situation," she underlined.

Until Wednesday, Peru had allocated S/2.382 billion (around US$670 million) to tackle the coronavirus emergency, as announced by the Economy and Finance Ministry head.

"We have taken some measures, to address the well-being of the most vulnerable families, as well as —for example— the S/300 million (about US$84 million) fund to support micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs), announced yesterday, and the S/200 million (around US$56 million) EsSalud subsidy," she explained in a press conference at the Government Palace.

Additionally, the cabinet member affirmed that the Government evaluates the measures it proposes every day.

In the specific case of public services, she said there are companies like State-run water company Sedapal, which announced the March bill will be prorated over the upcoming months.

"Definitely, measures are regularly evaluated, so let there be no doubt that we are sparing no effort to address this emergency because we have fiscal space to do so," she pointed out.

(END) MDV/JJN/RMB/MVB