Andina

Peru: Hospitals report more beds available than beds filled with COVID-19 patients

00:00 | Lima, Sep. 17.

For the first time since the pandemic began in Peru last March, the number of available hospital beds is higher than that of occupied beds by COVID-29 patients, Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra has reported.

The Head of State explained that —of the 19,270 hospital beds registered in the country— 9,616 are occupied and 9,654 are available for new coronavirus patients.

The top official noted that —exactly one month ago— the number of occupied beds across the country stood at 14,000 and that only 5,200 were available.

Moreover, the statesman highlighted the joint efforts of public and private institutions, which have resulted in more than 19,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients to date, compared to the 3,000 beds available when the pandemic began.

He also referred to the decrease in the numbers of COVID-19 deaths, noting that Peru reported 6,818 deaths in the week from August 2 to 8, and this figure dropped to 4,009 from September 6 to 13.

"The figures have decreased permanently, for the fifth consecutive week. The overall trend is positive, but, please, authorities who come from all over the country, let's not lower our guard because the virus is still here," he remarked.

While explaining the possible causes of such decrease, Mr. Vizcarra affirmed that everyone has contributed to it. Besides, most Peruvians proved to be disciplined and internalized the basic recommendations concerning the pandemic, such as social distancing, the permanent use of face masks and frequent hand washing.



(END) RRC/RMB/MVB

Published: 9/17/2020