Andina

Peru's Health Min: We want to reduce serious and fatal COVID-19 cases in second wave

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Health of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Health of Peru

09:45 | Lima, Jan. 23.

Avoiding serious and fatal cases are the main objectives of the plan designed to face the second COVID-19 wave nationwide, Peruvian Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti has affirmed.

Within this framework, the high-ranking official detailed the strategic axes on which her sector will focus in the coming weeks: reducing contagions, as well as serious and fatal cases.

In this regard, the minister explained that there is "tremendous" prevention work at the national level, which now relies on the support of the community.

This includes the promotion of preventive measures at 1,800 markets from November to date, the handing over of half a million community face masks (in addition to the 10 million delivered during the first wave), as well as working with 187 municipalities in the country.

The containment of cases is supported by the primary care of people who are showing symptoms of reduced oxygenation capacity.

Therefore, 450,000 pulse oximeters were purchased which started to be distributed throughout the country —both to health centers (primary care level) and to community leaders who support these efforts to contain the pandemic.

"We already have 6,300 community Anti-Covid Committees that work in coordination with their mayors at the district level. We have them in greater amount in Cajamarca, Cusco, Huanuco, Puno, and some dense areas, such as Northern Lima. They are receiving training for the use of pulse oximeters," she concluded.

(END) KGR/RRC/MVB

Published: 1/23/2021