Peru President: 2.5 million families have already received economic subsidy

The Head of State noted that —taking into account that families on average are composed of four members— the Government is serving 10 million citizens.

"In total, there are 3.5 families who will benefit from it (the subsidy). Thus, we need to complete the first bonus delivery to one million families. Once we have completed the first delivery to all families, we will start paying the remaining S/380 (US$107)," he expressed.

On the other hand, the statesman underlined that S/300 million (about US$84.51 million) has been allocated through the Business Support Fund for Mype (FAE-MYPE) to serve micro and small companies.

"9,800 companies have already been included, which represents an amount of S/72 million (about US$20.28 million)," he said.

Furthermore, the leader indicated that if part of the MSEs do not manage to access the fund, there will be a second "more generous" amount to support all companies.

Regarding the basic consumption basket delivery to citizens by mayors, he said that S/213 million (about US$60 million) has already been transferred to 1,874 local governments, of which S/61 million (US$17 million) has been used so far.

Later, the President reported that public spending to face the COVID-19 spread already exceeds S/1.3 billion (about US$366 million)

In this sense, S/857 million (about US$241 million) is aimed at strengthening health services, followed by S/250 million (about US$70 million) for cleaning up public transportation units, S/178 million (about US$50 million) for improving public order, S/33 million (about US$9 million) for removing tariffs on medicine imports, and S/3.178 billion (about US$895 million) for attending to vulnerable families.

Remarks were made in a televised press conference, within the framework of a mandatory social isolation imposed to prevent the COVID-19 from further spreading in the South American country.

On this occasion, the President was joined by members of the Council of Ministers. The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.

Tuesday marks the thirtieth day of mandatory social isolation.