A total of 2,700,707 people in Lima and Callao are believed to be infected with COVID-19, which makes up 25.3% of this population, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the National Health Institute (INS), the
Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported on Sunday.
According to Cesar Munayco, deputy executive at the CDC, the prevalence study estimated the number of vulnerable population, how long it will take to achieve herd immunity in the event that the SARS-CoV-2 infection produces lasting immunity, and the number of people —by age group—to be immunized when a vaccine becomes available.
Munayco stated that 74.7% of the population in Lima Metropolitan Area and Callao is still vulnerable to the virus, that is, 7,974,024 people could be infected if they do not comply with preventive measures.
On the other hand, the prevalence of COVID-19 is similar in men (21.2%: 17.9%-24.6%) and women (21.9%: 18.8%-25.0%), as well as higher in teenagers (24.3%: 17.8%-30.8%) and the youth (23.1%: 18.6%-27.7%).
The areas with the highest infection rates are Callao (30.0%: 19.8%-40.1%), northern Lima (28.7%: 22.6%-34.9%) and eastern Lima (24.4%: 17.5%-31.4%).
Furthermore, the prevalence of COVID-19 in the central part of the capital was 23.1% (17.9%-28.3%), while in southern Lima was 23.3% (18.2%-28.4%).
Technical details
The study was conducted on 3,118 people living in 43 districts in Lima Metropolitan Area and 7 districts in Callao from June 28 to July 4, through serological and molecular tests, by rapid response teams at the CDC, the Directorate of Integrated Health Networks (Diris), and Callao region.
Suspected COVID-19 deaths
Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti also indicated that the deaths of citizens suspected of being infected with COVID-19 have started to be added into the registry of deceased people.
(END) NDP/LIT/RMB
Published: 7/26/2020