Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti on Sunday called on the population to be part of the great national effort to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a televised Address to the Nation, the Head of State affirmed that the Government's top priority is the life and health of Peruvians, which is why a targeted lockdown is being implemented —from January 31 to February 14— in some regions of the country in order to protect citizens.
According to the statesman, he is aware of the fatigue and anguish, the mourning of families who lost their loved ones, the loss of employment, the ways Peruvians make a living, as well as the loss of freedom to hug one another and visit friends and family, because of the pandemic.
"It is difficult, I admit, but we must make an extra effort to contain the growing wave of infections and deaths," he said.
"Vaccines and containment measures will only work if we all pull in the same direction. Let us all be part of this great national effort to overcome the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr. Sagasti added.
According to the statesman, personal and collective care is a way to contain the pandemic. So, he reiterated his call for the population to continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently, and stay in ventilated spaces.
He also urged them not to leave home and to avoid trips that are not absolutely necessary, since being in close proximity to other people is the main cause of infection, mainly when crowds gather and when personal care measures are not observed.
The Peruvian leader explained that the targeted lockdown —in force as of today— is different from the lockdown decreed last year because the recent measure was announced four days before it comes into force for the population to get ready and takes place in 10 out of the 26 regions throughout the country.
Published: 1/31/2021