Andina

Peru: Gov't extends state of national emergency and targeted quarantine thru Oct 31

Photo: ANDINA/Jhonel Rodriguez

Photo: ANDINA/Jhonel Rodriguez

14:56 | Lima, Sep. 25.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Friday announced that the Government has extended the state of national emergency and targeted quarantine —focused on some provinces of the country— thru October 31, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the top official, the state of national emergency is expected to be further extended throughout the year, although the health conditions of this measure might change over time.

Additionally, he noted the country is facing the biggest health crisis in history. So, the National Police and Armed Forces are required to meet these needs —a situation that is regulated through the declaration of the state of national emergency.

He also announced the approval of another supreme decree that stipulates targeted quarantine —from October 1 to 31 — in the provinces of Abancay (Apurimac region), Huamanga (Ayacucho region), and Huanuco (Huanuco region).

In these three provinces under targeted quarantine, compulsory social immobilization on Sundays will be in force all day long and the mandatory social immobilization (curfew) will start at 8:00 p.m., unlike the rest of the country, where it is set to begin at 11:00 p.m.

On the other hand, the Head of State disclosed that the targeted quarantine measure will be lifted in Cusco, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna regions from October 1 to 31. However, on Sundays, compulsory social immobilization will be in force all day long in these regions.

"On Sundays, the regions of Cusco, Tacna, Moquegua, and Puno, as well as the provinces of Abancay, Huamanga, and Huanuco, will be under curfew all day long, while individuals in the rest of the country will be allowed to move freely, although they are banned from using private vehicles," he explained.

Moreover, in areas that are not under targeted quarantine or curfew, people are allowed go out, perform activities, and do sports, as long as they comply with health protocols, social distancing rules, the use of face masks, hand hygiene, and the ban on the use of private vehicles.

Also, social gatherings —including those held at home— and family visits remain prohibited since they are considered hot spots for the spread of COVID-19.

In the case of minors, the President indicated that children under 12 years of age are allowed one hour of supervised outdoor activity per day —if accompanied by an adult, within 500 meters of their home— while people aged above 65 will remain under mandatory social isolation.

(END) FHG/VVS/RMB/MVB

Published: 9/25/2020