Andina

President Vizcarra: Govt committed to health of Peruvians

13:30 | Piura (Piura region), Mar. 13.

President Martin Vizcarra on Friday affirmed that his Government is committed to the health of the people, referring to the tough measures taken by his administration in order to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Peru.

His remarks were made upon arrival in northern Piura region to fulfill a working agenda.

Speaking from Piura airport, the Head of State admitted that sectors like tourism will be affected by said measures.

"There are countries whose tourism industry is bigger, and they are being affected, too. Our country, which is part of this globalized world, will also see a fall in the arrival of tourists," he warned.

On Thursday, the Executive Branch decided to suspend the arrival and departure of flights from and for Europe and Asia. This suspension will become effective starting Monday, thus giving Peruvians the chance to return right away, if they want to.

"These measures are drastic but necessary so as to prevent more Peruvians from being infected with coronavirus due to the arrival of patients from Europe or Asia. This Government is committed to the health of the people," he stated.

Accordingly, the top official underlined that the population must cooperate with responsibility and hygiene.

"We have to wash our hands. We need to avoid close physical contact. We, Peruvians, are very affectionate. We greet one another with a kiss, a hug, or a handshaking. So, we have to try hard to avoid direct contact as long as the spreading continues," he recommended.

These measures —the statesman continued— will be accompanied by the responsibility of those in charge of the management of public and private companies, in the sense that they are obliged to maintain health at workplaces.

"Public institutions must ensure the provision of water and soap; the same applies to private institutions," he concluded.

(END) LIQ/CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 3/13/2020