Andina

Peru: President Vizcarra apologizes to widow of COVID-19 victim

18:02 | Lima, Jul. 22.

The President of the Republic Martin Vizcarra on Wednesday apologized to Mrs. Celia Capira and lamented the death of her husband, a victim of COVID-19 in southern Arequipa region.

"The death of each citizen, who has suffered from COVID-19, hurts us as our own, and we will continue making efforts to defeat this evil that causes so much damage to mankind. Yet we have to do it together," he expressed.

The Head of State affirmed that listening to people is a feature that characterizes his administration, adding that he always tries to do so, although time is not always enough.

On July 21, Capira's spouse Adolfo Mamani died at Honorio Delgado Hospital in Arequipa due to COVID-19. Last Sunday, when Mr. Vizcarra visited the southern city, she ran after the presidential motorcade asking for help. Nonetheless, the top official was not able to notice her.

"It is regrettable that the husband of Mrs. Celia has passed away. I offer her my condolences and sincere apologies for not having listened to her, we are at her disposal and at the service of all citizens who have lost a loved one," he said.

The President also expressed his condolences for the death —as a result of COVID-19— of businessman Mario Romero, known as the Angel of Oxygen in Lima's San Juan de Miraflores district, whom the top official described as an example of civility given that the entrepreneur used to sell medical oxygen at a fair price.

President Vizcarra recalled that following a past episode with a public official —during his tenure as Moquegua Region Governor (2011-2014)— he made a promise to always listen to people, a practice he also encourages among State ministers.

Remarks were made during a press conference held at the Government Palace in Lima.

At the event, the President addressed the measures taken by his administration to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The Head of State was joined by Cabinet members on this occasion.

(END) RMCH/CVC/MVB

Published: 7/22/2020