Peruvian Health Minister Elizabeth Hinostroza on Friday called for calm, saying her sector remains vigilant as it implements the "National Preparedness and Response Plan for Coronavirus COVID-19 Introduction."
Speaking from the Lima-based National Health Institute (INS) —the entity that confirmed
the first case in Peru— Minister Hinostroza affirmed that this is an imported case, since the 25-year-old man is believed to have been infected after a trip to Europe —precisely to France, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
In view of his respiratory symptoms, on March 4, the Peruvian went to a private
healthcare center, which contacted the Ministry of Health (Minsa).
He is currently under home isolation and his medical condition is stable.
Minsa's National Epidemiology and Disease Control Center is in charge of surveilling the patient, his relatives, and those with whom he has been in contact.
Likewise, all medically necessary measures have been taken so that the patient receives comprehensive health care.
"Have confidence in the Government's health system. We have the adequate infrastructure and personnel to that end. I call for calm. Besides, the use of face masks is not necessary, as they are for health workers and patients who have to avoid infecting other people," the minister expressed.
Additionally, Minsa is coordinating with the Ministry of Education (Minedu) so as to train teachers to disseminate preventive measures among children.
Finally, she disclosed that vaccination procedures will be conducted in high-risk areas.
(END) NDP/LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/6/2020