Andina

Peru President: Coronavirus cases total 51,189

ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

13:26 | Lima, May. 5.

President Martin Vizcarra on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that COVID-19 cases total 51,189 in Peru.

It must be noted that more than 400,000 samples have been taken so far.

5,509 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized at health care centers belonging to the Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud), Ministry of Health, Armed Forces, or Peruvian National Police. Of that number, 709 are in intensive care units (ICU).

In this sense, the Head of State stressed that his administration will continue to increase the amount of ICU beds this week thanks to the arrival of the first batch of mechanical ventilators that were purchased from China at the start of the health emergency.


The top official indicated that the demand existing in regions such as Lambayeque and Loreto —where the situation is delicate due to the spread of the pandemic— will be particularly taken care of.

Tests


Currently, around 20,000 tests are conducted on a daily basis, thereby exceeding the Health Ministry's initial goal of reaching 12,000 samples per day.


Initially set to last from March 16 to 30, the measure was extended thru May 10.

On this occasion, the President was joined by some members of the Council of Ministers. The event was held at the command post of the Peruvian Air Force in Lima.

Tuesday marks the fifty-first day of mandatory social isolation.

(END) MVB

Published: 5/5/2020