Andina

Peru President: Coronavirus cases total 42,534

13:31 | Lima, May. 2.

President Martin Vizcarra on Saturday afternoon confirmed that COVID-19 cases total 42,534 in Peru.

Within this framework, 5,098 citizens are hospitalized, 671 of whom are in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

It must be noted that 355,604 samples have been taken so far, including molecular and rapid ones. Thus, 313,070 tested negative.

The Head of State stressed the fact that —as at April 6— 20,414 tests had been taken, which means that —after four weeks— the promise of conducting 12,000 daily tests was fulfilled and even exceeded.

According to the top official, the contagion curve shows that the figure doubles every eight days, which is a good indicator.

The statesman indicated that —at the beginning of the pandemic— the number of those infected with coronavirus used to double every two or three days, before moving on to each five or eight days.

"Here, there is no way this might mean letting our guard down, but rather continuing and insisting on doing a responsible job (...). The curve has started to flatten, that is the trend that we can see and that we are sure will be ratified in the coming days," Mr. Vizcarra emphasized.

"It is in the difficult moments that we cannot quit, we cannot give up in these moments, it is now that we have to put all our efforts (in order to move forward)," he concluded.


Initially set to last from March 16 to 30, the social isolation measure has been extended until May 10.

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

Saturday marks the forty-eighth day of mandatory social isolation.

(END) MVB

Published: 5/2/2020