Andina

Peru: Govt launches strategy for early detection and treatment of COVID-19 cases

17:28 | Lima, May. 8.

The Peruvian Government launched a strategy for the early detection of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Peru so that patients receive treatment before they develop the disease and require emergency care in intensive care units at hospitals, the President of the Republic Martin Vizcarra announced on Friday.

Within this framework, the Head of State specified that this strategy is aimed at patients who do not require hospitalization.

In this regard, Defense Minister Walter Martos mentioned that many people have the disease but not the symptoms. Thus, they are considered asymptomatic. "These citizens and those who have minor symptoms will be isolated in their homes or in a different establishment, such as the Pan American Village, where they must be quarantined," he expressed.

The cabinet member said the strategy considers that not only the infected citizens will be isolated, but also their entire families and every person with whom they had contact.

"They will be followed up clinically, both medically and psychologically speaking. If the families require so, they will be brought dry or fresh food for as long as they remain under quarantine," he stressed.

Minister Martos affirmed that Te Cuido Perú (I Take Care of You, Peru) Platform will now be complemented by an early-detection and treatment team that will focus on detecting people infected with the disease.

"It is important to detect the infected (people) early in order to start the treatment immediately. That will mean lowering the viral load and will prevent more patients from becoming seriously ill before reaching hospitals," he stressed.

The minister said this strategy will be intensified in the areas with the highest contagion rates, such as those located in the north and east of the country.

"Rapid response teams will work in a special way at homes and markets during the operations that are carried out and at the bus stops with the highest concentration of people," he expressed.

Lastly, Martos assured that this strategy will allow the detection and isolation of people infected with COVID-19 who will receive early treatment that will be efficient and prevent them from becoming critically ill.


Initially set to last from March 16 to 30, the social isolation had been first extended to April 12, then thru April 26, followed by May 10, and recently until Sunday May 24.

The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.

Friday marks the fifty-fourth day of mandatory social isolation.

(END) MAO/MVB

Published: 5/8/2020