Andina

Peru's PM: We are focused on signing contracts to acquire COVID-19 vaccines

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

13:00 | Lima, Dec. 17.

Peruvian Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez on Thursday affirmed that the Government is focused on signing the contracts to acquire COVID-19 vaccines.

"We are currently working at full speed, trying to complete them —the pre-agreements exist, they needed to be ratified— and now we are trying to sign the contracts so as to know the certain date when the vaccines will be available, based on the certification of laboratories," she told the press.

At present, she emphasized, the approved vaccines belong to Pfizer.

Additionally, the government official indicated that a second wave cannot be either predicted or ruled out with any certainty, but if precautions are taken —including keeping a safe distance, using face masks, and washing hands— the disease will be prevented from spreading.

"The only way to prevent stricter measures from being taken is to care for ourselves," she added.

Bermudez explained that all political instability and changes in ministries have consequences, such as delaying negotiations and agreements, but "we are not looking at past responsibilities."

"We have assumed the responsibility, and we are preparing for future challenges. Rather than evaluating the past, the focus is on the steps needed to ensure the country's and population's access to the vaccines as soon as possible, as soon as they are certified by laboratories," she added.

The Cabinet chief remarked that all COVID-19-related information is communicated transparently, and that Peruvians will be the first to know if there is a certain date concerning the vaccine.

(END) VVS/CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 12/17/2020