Andina

Peru: Production Min recovering after testing positive for COVID-19

11:57 | Lima, Jul. 9.

Production Minister Rocio Barrios tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering, complying with social isolation and the recommendations of doctors in charge of her care.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) reported that —within the framework of the economic reopening— Minister Barrios has led her sector's guiding efforts for micro and small-sized entrepreneurs from productive and commercial conglomerates.

In addition, she was involved in coordinated actions —between the Executive Branch and local governments— for the reorganization of street vendors in different parts of the capital city Lima.

Moreover, the minister has personally supervised National Government's actions in Loreto, making constant trips to bring medical supplies, protective equipment, and humanitarian aid so as to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and improve the delivery of health care services to the population in said region.

Barrios is the second Cabinet member that has tested positive for COVID-19 after Agriculture Minister Jorge Montenegro, who contracted the virus in May and made a full recovery before returning to work.

It must be noted that the Executive Branch has granted Barrios a leave of absence for health reasons, which runs from July 9 to 23.

As stated in a supreme resolution published in El Peruano official gazette, Housing, Construction and Sanitation Minister Rodolfo Yañez will take over the Production office while Barrios is absent.

The above-mentioned document bears the signatures of President Martin Vizcarra and Prime Minister Vicente Zeballos.

"(...) Currently, I am recovering and complying with social isolation in order to be able to resume my duties as soon as possible. I call on the population to maximize the safety measures," Barrios wrote on Twitter.

(END) CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 7/9/2020