The National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) of the
Ministry of Health (Minsa) has reported a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases during the third epidemiological week (EW) compared to the second.
Executive Director of Public Health Surveillance at the Ministry of Health (Minsa), Dr. Cesar Munayco, reported that a slowdown in coronavirus cases has been reported in all age groups, including children.
ICU beds and hospitalization
Additionally, he said that ICU beds are at 71% capacity, while general hospital beds are at 41% capacity.
In this context, the CDC researcher explained that the administration of the booster dose is important to reduce the risk of developing serious illness.
Children
Regarding children, most of the cases admitted to pediatric ICU or those that result in death are children with chronic diseases or non-vaccinated children.
It should be noted that last week (EW 4 - 2022) 19 children’s deaths were reported, thus recording the highest number of deaths in this age group compared to the week with the highest number of deaths during the second wave (EW 19 - 2021).
Metropolitan Lima
On the other hand, Munayco commented that, in Metropolitan Lima, clusters of COVID-19 cases persist in districts of Independencia, San Juan de Lurigancho, Surquillo, Barranco, Miraflores, Jesus Maria, El Agustino, and Rimac.
Finally, the expert recommended that people continue to comply with biosafety measures, such as maintaining physical distance, staying within the family bubble, wearing two face masks or a KN95, being in well-ventilated spaces, and completing the vaccine three-dose series.
(END) NDP/RRC/RMB
Published: 1/31/2022