has affirmed that COVID-19's Omicron variant is so far present in six regions; however, the incidence of infections is moderate.
According to the expert, the variant has been detected in Amazonas, Lambayeque, Moquegua, Tacna, Lima, and Piura regions.
Likewise, Dr. Munayco believes that a probable third wave will depend on the behavior of the Omicrom variant and its contagion speed. He forecast that it could occur at the end of January, taking into account the growth registered in Lima and its spread in regions.
"We are still waiting for the results from New Year's holidays. It is likely that these (cases) will increase in the following weeks; and if we talk about the peak at the national level, it could occur after January," he told RPP radio and TV station.
The official said the increase in cases is expected to be slow in order to better manage the situation and advance with the vaccination process because, in the event of explosive growth nationwide, health services will be saturated.
Regarding the tests conducted in Peru to detect COVID-19 cases, he mentioned that at least 10,000 daily tests are carried out at the national level —between molecular and antigen ones.
Dr. Munayco indicated that —unlike the first wave— the number of tests has increased, adding that the number of laboratories has even been expanded nationwide.
Given the increase in cases, the official reiterated that the responsible attitude of citizens must be as follows: to get vaccinated or complete the doses because it has been shown that vaccines help not to reach extreme situations.
(END) JCB/MVB