In an address to the nation on Friday morning, President Martin Vizcarra confirmed the first coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Peru.
Joined by Health Minister Elizabeth Hinostroza, the Head of State affirmed that the Government aims to protect the life, health, and integrity of all Peruvians, regardless of their condition and location.
"I have to disclose that the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection has been confirmed in our country, in a 25-year-old male patient, whose travel history indicates that he has been to Spain, France, and the Czech Republic," he said in the televised statement.
Mr. Vizcarra explained that a series of immediate measures were taken to prevent, detect, and treat possible cases in the country as soon as the coronavirus broke out in China.
"In the last few days and weeks, the virus has spread not only to Europe and other parts of the world, but also to neighboring countries like Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The possibility to reach Peru was always there," he stated.
In this sense, the President specified that all medically necessary measures have been taken —through the
Ministry of Health (Minsa)— so that this patient —who remains stable— is given full attention.
According to the Peruvian leader, people must face this situation quite calmly and, at the same time, united and in solidarity with one another.
The Government —he continued— will spare no effort to satisfy the fundamental objective of protecting all Peruvians' health, wherever they are.
In light of this, the
Ministry of Health leads a strategy —both in Lima and in the interior of the country— which involves EsSalud, the Armed Forces Health Department, and the National Police, as well as different ministries, other State-run institutions, and representatives of private clinics.