00:00 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Jun. 10.
A batch of 20,000 rapid tests to diagnose the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will be distributed at hospitals and healthcare centers in
Arequipa region, whose use will help curb the spread of the virus in the population.
According to Arequipa Region Government General Manager Gregorio Palma, a batch of 60,000 rapid tests were acquired in April, which is the second consignment delivered by the supplying company.
Furthermore, he said Arequipa now becomes the region with the largest number of tests acquired and conducted in the population.
"Arequipa is the region with the largest number of rapid and molecular tests performed. This allows a rapid diagnosis to curb the spread of the virus among the population in an early stage," Palma expressed.
In order to continue with the timely detection of positive COVID-19 cases, the
Ministry of Health (Minsa) will send —in a few days— over 12,000 rapid tests for the population and health workers on the front line of the battle.
Moreover, Palma announced that an oxygen tank with a storage capacity of 20,000 cubic meters will be installed at Honorio Delgado Espinoza Hospital, in addition to the 5,000 cubic meters already installed in said health center.
The move will ensure availability of medical oxygen to the hospital, which has 600 beds with oxygen points to serve patients with COVID-19.
(END)RMC/TMC/JOT/RMB/MVB
Published: 6/10/2020