Andina

Peru President: On Thursday, we must make the decision on emergency extension

15:00 | Lima, Apr. 7.

President Martin Vizcarra on Tuesday afternoon responded that "surely, on Thursday, we must make the appropriate decision," after being asked whether he had considered extending the national state of emergency as a measure to contain the advance of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Peru.

The Head of State indicated that he will gather information from various sectors —ranging from independent to scientific institutions— for the decision-making regarding the possibility of extending the quarantine for a second time.

"Surely, on Thursday, we must make the corresponding decision," he expressed in this sense.

Likewise, the top official informed that he will convene the Council of State members on Wednesday to continue reviewing the measures adopted against the COVID-19.

The meeting will serve to gather the heads of the Judiciary, Congress, Constitutional Court, Public Ministry (Attorney General), Ombudsman's Office, and the Comptroller General.

In this sense, the statesman explained that decisions —such as the extension of the state of emergency— "are not made in an improvised manner, but with the corresponding support" and through the validation of the different levels of Government.

For example, he explained that the performance and evolution of the disease is being analyzed with a group of experts convened by the Ministry of Health, who compare the data with those of other epidemics the nation had faced in the past.
 
Mr. Vizcarra disclosed that sometimes the measures may seem "exaggerated," but thanked all the institutions that support these decisions, adding that the decisions are made thinking about what is best for Peru.




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 twenty-third day of mandatory social isolation.

(END) JCC/CVC/MVB

Published: 4/7/2020