Andina

Peru: Coronavirus sample analysis to be decentralized starting Saturday

11:22 | Lima, Mar. 13.

The High Level Multisectoral Commission created by the Government to combat coronavirus (COVID-19) announced on Friday that the analysis of samples from possible cases will be decentralized starting March 14.

Iquitos and Tumbes were the first chosen cities, where decentralized laboratories for the evaluation of samples will be implemented in order to determine possible cases of this disease.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Vicente Zeballos and Health Ministry head Elizabeth Hinostroza. They went on to add that the decentralized laboratories in Trujillo (La Libertad) and Cusco will be activated on March 16.

The Health portfolio leader specified that the laboratories in San Martin and Piura regions will start operating on March 18, followed by those in Jaen (Cajamarca), Ica, and Ucayali on March 22.

Minister Hinostroza affirmed that those regions' health personnel have been trained in the processing and handling of samples, which contain high biological contamination linked to possible coronavirus cases.

Likewise, the head of Minsa announced that the decentralization of sample analysis will also incorporate the private sector.

Lastly, she reported that a private international organization will donate 30,000 tests that will allow for faster analysis of the samples taken.

(END) MAO/MVB

Published: 3/13/2020