Andina

Peru works on scenarios for protocols before resumption of international flights

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

10:21 | Lima, Sep. 4.

Peru is working on safety protocols for the restart of international flights, which consider three different scenarios and are being coordinated with other Latin American countries, Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti has reported.

According to the government official, the three schemes have to do with the place of origin of the flight, the duration of the trip and the risk group of passengers.

In addition, depending on the evolution of the pandemic in the coming weeks, a decision will be made, and the best alternative will be selected.

"We all look forward to the next month so that a final decision can be made shortly before that. We cannot have a final decision, we can plan when to get things done, but final decisions depend on figures, on the evolution of the pandemic both in Peru and abroad," the minister said.

She also noted that the most sensitive and specific test in these cases is the molecular-based one and that, along with other countries, Peru is determining how many days before the trip passengers shall undergo it.

The high-ranking official explained that, in the case of international flights, the professional ones will resume first, because tourist flights are more difficult to control due to the movements of tourists. 

"In this case, we have to wait for (COVID-19) cases to drop nationwide," she stated.

Regarding the current situation of the disease, Mazzetti affirmed that COVID-19 figures are decreasing slightly in Peru, adding that good results will depend on the seriousness and responsibility of all Peruvians.

"The coronavirus is here to stay and is among us. We must learn to live with it, but without bringing it home. This stage is going to be long until the vaccine is ready," she expressed.

(END) NDP/KGR/RMB/MVB

Published: 9/4/2020