Andina

Peru President rules out food shortage due to coronavirus

11:35 | Lima, Mar. 13.

President Martin Vizcarra on Friday called for calm over the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and ruled out a shortage of food in Peru.

He explained that the national health emergency —declared by the Executive Branch— intends to contain and combat a virus, not to face a natural catastrophe.

"This emergency was declared for a virus (…) it does not affect the (productive) infrastructure, and the population must be aware of this so that they can stay calm. Stockrooms inside malls and stores are fully stocked," he expressed.

The Head of State noted that when a state of emerge is declared due to a natural catastrophe —an earthquake, for example— the latter destroys the infrastructure, causes factories to collapse, the production apparatus is affected, and a fall in the food and grocery production starts to be felt.

At present, stockrooms of food producing companies are fully stocked. "The entire productive apparatus, farms, and factories are in perfect conditions. In fact, they keep producing," Mr. Vizcarra noted.

"Therefore, a shortage is not going to happen, because this emergency —unlike others— has not damaged the productive infrastructure. Everything is being produced. Then, take it easy, calm down, there is no problem," he added.

(END) CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 3/13/2020