LIMA, Dec 30 (NNN-ANDINA) — Deputy Public Health Minister Ricardo Peña called on the population to remain calm, since Peru is not facing a new COVID-19 wave, but rather is experiencing an expected increase in cases due to end-of-year holidays that lead to increased meetings and crowds in closed spaces.
From the COVID-19 vaccination and screening center at Lima’s Campo de Marte, he specified that current figures are in no way very close to those of past pandemic waves, not even of infected, hospitalized, or deceased people.
Nonetheless, Peña asked Peruvians to act responsibly, especially on the issue of vaccination and protection measures.
“There are older adults who cannot move by themselves; so, let’s help our vulnerable loved ones get vaccinated and comply with prevention measures,” he indicated.
The Ministry of Health (Minsa), through the Directorate of Integrated Health Networks (Diris), continues to strengthen prevention and vaccination against COVID-19 in the face of the increase in cases.
Thus, there are 120 centers for COVID-19 screening and vaccination in Metropolitan Lima.
Peña Sanchez explained that to learn about screening or vaccination centers, citizens can call 113, for free, or visit Minsa’s social media channels and website.
Regarding the new JN.1 variant, which is a sublineage of Pirola that is also a sublineage of Omicron, he said it is a contagious virus.
However, it does not increase the risk of severe or serious forms of the COVID-19 disease or deaths, even less if the population is protected with the vaccine, especially the most vulnerable people.
91,328,338 doses of the vaccine against COVID-19 have been so far administered in Peru, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported.
Out of that total, 25,853,993 were given as second dose, thus accounting for 90.46% of the target population.
Within this framework, 21,399,476 citizens have been vaccinated with a third dose.
They also account for 74.88% of the target population, the leading government authority in the health sector said in its daily report.
Similarly, 7,139,853 people have received the fourth dose, thus accounting for 28.60% of the goal while 2,666,149 have received the bivalent dose. They account for 22.08% of the target population.
The information above is applicable as of Dec 28 at 12:00 p.m. (local time) and was published on the COVID-19 Vaccination Situation Room. — NNN-ANDINA
