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Peru

Peru: 4 tons of medicines and medical supplies sent to rainforest to fight COVID-19

The Ministry of Production (Produce), in coordination with the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and the Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud), sent 4 tons of medicines, personal protective equipment, and medical supplies to the rainforest region of Loreto in order to strengthen its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The load — made up of 92,790 medicine units, 20,000 units of venoclysis equipment, 3,025 pairs of gloves, and 3,000 units of medical supplies — was sent on a flight provided by the Ministry of Defense.

The shipment — destined for the Regional Health Directorate of Loreto (Diresa Loreto) and EsSalud Loreto — was managed by the National Security and Defense Office (OSDN), which oversees the Emergency Operations Center of the Production Ministry (COES-Produce), in its capacity as coordinating sector in said region, on behalf of the State.

The provision of medicines and medical supplies is in line with the Government's commitment to combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Loreto region.

Invisible and deadly enemy

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). These viruses can be transmitted between animals and people.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. It is transmitted from human to human through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. COVID-19 is also transmitted by close contact with people infected by the virus.

People are encouraged to keep a one-meter distance from others, wear a face mask or a face shield when using public transportation, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, among other measures.

(END) NDP/JOT/MVB