Mass gatherings remain banned until last quarter of 2020 in Peru

CHIMBOTE, Jun 26, 2020, ANDINA. Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday affirmed that mass gatherings of people will remain banned until at least the last quarter of the year when the cure or vaccine for COVID-19 is expected to be available, ANDINA reported.

Speaking from Chimbote, in Ancash region, the President announced that the Council of Ministers will meet on Friday to discuss what measures will be put in place starting July 1, taking into account that the state of national emergency would end on June 30.

“Everybody knows that some things should remain as they are. In these 100 days, we have learned what works and what does not work when it comes to combating COVID-19. The things that work should remain as they are,” he told the press.

Mr. Vizcarra commented that in the virtual meeting held Wednesday with counterparts from Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina, the participants agreed to say that the coronavirus will be defeated when the vaccine or cure is ready, which is expected to occur in the last quarter of the year.

“Until then, we cannot allow mass gatherings of people: on sports fields, parties, religious events, social events. Gatherings are prohibited,” he said.

The Peruvian leader emphasized that social distancing also impacts education.

“We must try to maintain distance learning because schools accommodate a large number of students, just like universities. Those activities have to remain in distance learning mode,” the statesman added.

Remarks were made after inaugurating the new Villa EsSalud Chimbote — COVID-19 Care Center for the care of patients with said disease.

On this occasion, the President was joined by Ministers Victor Zamora (Health), Martin Benavides (Education), and Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud) Executive-President Fiorella Molinelli.

The event took place within the framework of a mandatory social isolation imposed to prevent the COVID-19 from further spreading in the South American country.

Initially set to last from March 16 to 30, the quarantine was extended until June 30.

Thursday marks the 102nd day of mandatory social isolation in Peru.