We're using this page to provide a chronological forum for updates on the novel coronavirus in Latin America and Perú - including travel restrictions, updates on HBI programs and projects, and general recommendations. Should you have specific questions about COVID-19 and the global pandemic - please check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization website.
As of 13:40 p.m. GMT-8 on July 07, the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) has announced COVID-19 confirmed positive cases of 309,278 with 10,952 certified deaths. The country is under a State of Emergency that has been extended through June 30 and all international borders are closed.
Want to track cases in Perú? A website developed by a group of engineers and data scientists from one of Perú's most respected universities allows for tracking of COVID-19 in the country in realtime; check it out at: https://covid19.orcebot.com
June 30 - With a country-wide relaxing of the quarantine (NB: the quarantine officially ends July 1 early in the morning) people are searching to find their new normal. Many areas in the country (Ica as a for example) continue to maintain strict measures of quarantine, but other parts of the country have seen a drastic relaxation to the extreme measures that have been instituted in the country for over 100 days. What happens next? Not one knows for sure. Most certainly cases will rise. There is no way around the inevitable community transmissions. However, Perú is doing everything they can to identify a clear path for more testing, case tracing, and supportive healthcare services. we continue to follow a strict protocol at the Casa Girasoles and with our entire team. We are working to maintain the health and safety of all our staff. We will continue to monitor the situation and determine the best course of action based on all available data. We will keep you posted on this web-page.
June 22 - Starting over a week ago, the Peruvian government has been moving steadily to reopen the economy. This includes the opening of commercial shopping districts, restaurants, and major roadways in the city of Lima. With over 90 days of extreme quarantine the economy will slowly reawaken. This will require an active monitoring of cases and big decisions around how to best move forward with the converging concerns of COVID-19 and the cough and cold (flu) season of Latin America.
June 12 - The New York Times publishes an article that demonstrates the expanding impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Perú. The article, part of a series of articles gaining traction in international wire services about Latin America and the impact of COVID, points to the inequalities of the Peruvian social-economic-political systems. It describes a Perú that has worked hard to prepare itself to enter the "middle income" world of promising global economies and rapid investment. And, it describes the challenges that have made Perú so vulnerable to the huge devastation of the pandemic. One thing the article fails to describe is the amazing resilience and intelligence of the Peruvian people. For, if any nation will rise from the ashes of the pandemic - it is Perú. Please keep Perú in your thoughts. If you are able, please help us to bring desperately needed resources to underserved communities. Check out our work during the pandemic and thanks for all the support: COVID relief and emergency food fund
May 22 - In response to a growing number of cases, in-spite of extreme social distancing and curfew efforts, COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact Perú. As such, and in response to a need to "bend the curve" and preserve the strained health system - the Government of Perú announced an extension of the State of Emergency until June 30. The President announced that a decree will be published with new measures for a "new social coexistence." He said the quarantine will continue, but some activities will be relaxed. He indicated that from Monday, May 25, the curfew will begin at 9:00 p.m. throughout the country, with the exception of eight regions. Needless-to-say, there is a mixed reception to the extended quarantine. We'll continue to cover the quarantine and the impact of the pandemic in Perú.
May 15 - The Peruvian government released preliminary guidance and indications on the "reopening" of the economy and general commerce and civil life. The tiered implementation will include a similar plan to other countries in the region with the last openings occurring in higher social contact sectors like tourism and events. The government announced - through the release of a slide deck (see below), the last phase of the openings will be the borders. "The closure of borders continues and we plan to lift it in the last stage that would be in October and is subject to the opening of borders in other countries. We have to align the origin and destination of flights and the protocols that passengers and airlines have to follow," announced the Minister of Transport and Communications, Carlos Lozada on May 15, in a televised interview covered the news agency Perú21.
May 08 - In an attempt to flatten the curve and bring greater stability to the health system, the Peruvian government has announced a two week extension of the compulsory immobilization and social quarantine. The extension will include an expansion of the curfew until 8 pm and include allowing banks and grocery stores to expand their hours of operations to provide more customer social distancing. In addition, the Federal government will be working with the regional governors and the municipal mayors to reorganize markets and shopping to further reduce congregations and group gatherings.
May 01 - Today is Labor Day around the world. The Peruvian government just announced the new case numbers and infections continue to rise. The government continues to respond to the challenge and announced an increase in the allowable withdrawal from state-backed retirement accounts. In addition, the government is investing in the production of mechanical ventilators and continued enforcement of the mandatory social isolation and country-wide quarantine This weekend will be an important litmus test to determine next steps for the country with regard to relaxing the social isolation measures and re-opening parts of the economy.
April 23 - Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra announced the extension of the state of emergency and the obligatory social quarantine for two additional weeks, with an expected end-date on Sunday, May 10.
April 08 - The government, in a live national message from the president, announced the mobility and social isolation restrictions will continue through April 26. In the past 24 hours, there have been 1,388 new cases and over 1,000 people were arrested for not respecting the quarantine orders. Thursday, April 9 (Holy Thursday) and Friday, April 10 (Good Friday) are national holidays and the government has mandated all citizens remain in a shelter-in-place.
April 02 - The government announced new restrictions on mobility and social isolation. Starting Friday, 03 April, "men will only be able to circulate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and women Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sundays the restriction will [apply to everyone]. The measure will last 10 days and aims to slow down the rise of the COVID-19 propagation curve more quickly."
April 02 - A new website developed by a group of engineers and data scientists from one of Perú's most respected universities allows for real-time tracking of COVID-19 in the country: https://covid19.orcebot.com
March 30 - Cases of confirmed COVID-19 continue to expand in Peru (with Loreto having the highest number of positive cases outside of Lima). Equally alarming, cases are growing rapidly throughout Latin America. The tragic loss of life is being felt in ever country. The economic impact will have lasting influence on the continent. We've found the Americas Society/Council of the Americas website to have the most comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 cases in South America. For the most recent updates: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/where-coronavirus-latin-america
March 29 - Regions in Perú with reported cases of COVID-19 include: Lima, Loreto, Callao, Lambayeque, Piura, Cusco, Arequipa, Junín, La Libertad, Tumbes, Ancash, Ica, Huánuco, San Martín, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Tacna
March 27 - The Peruvian government is continuing their efforts to deploy resources and monetary support to the most marginalized in the country. This includes S/. 200 million for municipalities to deliver food baskets to the poorest communities; and a plan to send cash reliefs in the form of a one time payment of S/. 380 to 800,000 people living in extreme poverty. This is a remarkable undertaking for the Peruvian government.
March 26 - In a nationally televised press conference, the President of Perú extended the State of Emergency and compulsory social immobilization until April 12.
March 21 - The Peruvian government will open flights until midnight on March 21 for Peruvian citizens stranded in other countries around the world to return to Lima. It is unclear if flights will be permitted to leave from Perú to other locations.
March 20 - The second day of compulsory social isolation, with Perú in a lock-down National State of Emergency.
March 18 - The Peruvian government put in place a mandatory curfew from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Only necessary personnel - medical, food suppliers media, police and the armed forces - can be on the streets.
March 15 - President Vizcarra appeared on national television and announced an extraordinary "state of national emergency" - including a total closure of the borders (by land, sea and river; this does not include cargo), 15 obligatory days of "social isolation," and a restriction on movement outside of the home for anything more than food or medicine. The Peruvian National Police are beginning to detain people who are in violation of the social isolation mandate.
On March 14 - The Peruvian government announced the suspension of flights to- and from-Europe and Asia for a period of 30-days. As has been previously reported, cases have been identified in Lima, Ancash, Piura, Cusco, Lambayeque, Loreto, La Libertad, Arequipa, Ica, and Huánuco.
March 13 - All incoming and outgoing flights to Asia and Europe have been suspended. Schools are closed around Perú; and the government has instituted a restriction on the gathering of groups larger than 300 people. A multi-sectorial commission of the government is considering further restrictions - including closing all borders. Ecuador closed their border with Perú on 15 March.
March 11 - The President of Perú released an Emergency Decree, published in the official newspaper El Peruano. The decree helps to shore up public health and emergency response and states that "those who enter the national territory [Perú] from countries with an epidemiological history will be subject to isolation for 14 days." Currently the United States is not specifically listed as one of the countries requiring a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Countries specifically listed include: China, France, Italy, and Spain.
For information on the impact of the pandemic in other Latin America nations - check out the Council of the Americas website, although information is not updated everyday. Check out updates at: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/where-coronavirus-latin-america
For more information on HBI's recommendations, please read the following briefing document from the Health Bridges Medical Director, Dr. Robert Gehringer. Please contact the Health Bridges team with questions about your planned service learning projects or travel with HBI.
As of 13:40 p.m. GMT-8 on July 07, the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) has announced COVID-19 confirmed positive cases of 309,278 with 10,952 certified deaths. The country is under a State of Emergency that has been extended through June 30 and all international borders are closed.
Want to track cases in Perú? A website developed by a group of engineers and data scientists from one of Perú's most respected universities allows for tracking of COVID-19 in the country in realtime; check it out at: https://covid19.orcebot.com
June 30 - With a country-wide relaxing of the quarantine (NB: the quarantine officially ends July 1 early in the morning) people are searching to find their new normal. Many areas in the country (Ica as a for example) continue to maintain strict measures of quarantine, but other parts of the country have seen a drastic relaxation to the extreme measures that have been instituted in the country for over 100 days. What happens next? Not one knows for sure. Most certainly cases will rise. There is no way around the inevitable community transmissions. However, Perú is doing everything they can to identify a clear path for more testing, case tracing, and supportive healthcare services. we continue to follow a strict protocol at the Casa Girasoles and with our entire team. We are working to maintain the health and safety of all our staff. We will continue to monitor the situation and determine the best course of action based on all available data. We will keep you posted on this web-page.
June 22 - Starting over a week ago, the Peruvian government has been moving steadily to reopen the economy. This includes the opening of commercial shopping districts, restaurants, and major roadways in the city of Lima. With over 90 days of extreme quarantine the economy will slowly reawaken. This will require an active monitoring of cases and big decisions around how to best move forward with the converging concerns of COVID-19 and the cough and cold (flu) season of Latin America.
June 12 - The New York Times publishes an article that demonstrates the expanding impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Perú. The article, part of a series of articles gaining traction in international wire services about Latin America and the impact of COVID, points to the inequalities of the Peruvian social-economic-political systems. It describes a Perú that has worked hard to prepare itself to enter the "middle income" world of promising global economies and rapid investment. And, it describes the challenges that have made Perú so vulnerable to the huge devastation of the pandemic. One thing the article fails to describe is the amazing resilience and intelligence of the Peruvian people. For, if any nation will rise from the ashes of the pandemic - it is Perú. Please keep Perú in your thoughts. If you are able, please help us to bring desperately needed resources to underserved communities. Check out our work during the pandemic and thanks for all the support: COVID relief and emergency food fund
May 22 - In response to a growing number of cases, in-spite of extreme social distancing and curfew efforts, COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact Perú. As such, and in response to a need to "bend the curve" and preserve the strained health system - the Government of Perú announced an extension of the State of Emergency until June 30. The President announced that a decree will be published with new measures for a "new social coexistence." He said the quarantine will continue, but some activities will be relaxed. He indicated that from Monday, May 25, the curfew will begin at 9:00 p.m. throughout the country, with the exception of eight regions. Needless-to-say, there is a mixed reception to the extended quarantine. We'll continue to cover the quarantine and the impact of the pandemic in Perú.
May 15 - The Peruvian government released preliminary guidance and indications on the "reopening" of the economy and general commerce and civil life. The tiered implementation will include a similar plan to other countries in the region with the last openings occurring in higher social contact sectors like tourism and events. The government announced - through the release of a slide deck (see below), the last phase of the openings will be the borders. "The closure of borders continues and we plan to lift it in the last stage that would be in October and is subject to the opening of borders in other countries. We have to align the origin and destination of flights and the protocols that passengers and airlines have to follow," announced the Minister of Transport and Communications, Carlos Lozada on May 15, in a televised interview covered the news agency Perú21.
May 08 - In an attempt to flatten the curve and bring greater stability to the health system, the Peruvian government has announced a two week extension of the compulsory immobilization and social quarantine. The extension will include an expansion of the curfew until 8 pm and include allowing banks and grocery stores to expand their hours of operations to provide more customer social distancing. In addition, the Federal government will be working with the regional governors and the municipal mayors to reorganize markets and shopping to further reduce congregations and group gatherings.
May 01 - Today is Labor Day around the world. The Peruvian government just announced the new case numbers and infections continue to rise. The government continues to respond to the challenge and announced an increase in the allowable withdrawal from state-backed retirement accounts. In addition, the government is investing in the production of mechanical ventilators and continued enforcement of the mandatory social isolation and country-wide quarantine This weekend will be an important litmus test to determine next steps for the country with regard to relaxing the social isolation measures and re-opening parts of the economy.
April 23 - Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra announced the extension of the state of emergency and the obligatory social quarantine for two additional weeks, with an expected end-date on Sunday, May 10.
April 08 - The government, in a live national message from the president, announced the mobility and social isolation restrictions will continue through April 26. In the past 24 hours, there have been 1,388 new cases and over 1,000 people were arrested for not respecting the quarantine orders. Thursday, April 9 (Holy Thursday) and Friday, April 10 (Good Friday) are national holidays and the government has mandated all citizens remain in a shelter-in-place.
April 02 - The government announced new restrictions on mobility and social isolation. Starting Friday, 03 April, "men will only be able to circulate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and women Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sundays the restriction will [apply to everyone]. The measure will last 10 days and aims to slow down the rise of the COVID-19 propagation curve more quickly."
April 02 - A new website developed by a group of engineers and data scientists from one of Perú's most respected universities allows for real-time tracking of COVID-19 in the country: https://covid19.orcebot.com
March 30 - Cases of confirmed COVID-19 continue to expand in Peru (with Loreto having the highest number of positive cases outside of Lima). Equally alarming, cases are growing rapidly throughout Latin America. The tragic loss of life is being felt in ever country. The economic impact will have lasting influence on the continent. We've found the Americas Society/Council of the Americas website to have the most comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 cases in South America. For the most recent updates: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/where-coronavirus-latin-america
March 29 - Regions in Perú with reported cases of COVID-19 include: Lima, Loreto, Callao, Lambayeque, Piura, Cusco, Arequipa, Junín, La Libertad, Tumbes, Ancash, Ica, Huánuco, San Martín, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Tacna
March 27 - The Peruvian government is continuing their efforts to deploy resources and monetary support to the most marginalized in the country. This includes S/. 200 million for municipalities to deliver food baskets to the poorest communities; and a plan to send cash reliefs in the form of a one time payment of S/. 380 to 800,000 people living in extreme poverty. This is a remarkable undertaking for the Peruvian government.
March 26 - In a nationally televised press conference, the President of Perú extended the State of Emergency and compulsory social immobilization until April 12.
March 21 - The Peruvian government will open flights until midnight on March 21 for Peruvian citizens stranded in other countries around the world to return to Lima. It is unclear if flights will be permitted to leave from Perú to other locations.
March 20 - The second day of compulsory social isolation, with Perú in a lock-down National State of Emergency.
March 18 - The Peruvian government put in place a mandatory curfew from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Only necessary personnel - medical, food suppliers media, police and the armed forces - can be on the streets.
March 15 - President Vizcarra appeared on national television and announced an extraordinary "state of national emergency" - including a total closure of the borders (by land, sea and river; this does not include cargo), 15 obligatory days of "social isolation," and a restriction on movement outside of the home for anything more than food or medicine. The Peruvian National Police are beginning to detain people who are in violation of the social isolation mandate.
On March 14 - The Peruvian government announced the suspension of flights to- and from-Europe and Asia for a period of 30-days. As has been previously reported, cases have been identified in Lima, Ancash, Piura, Cusco, Lambayeque, Loreto, La Libertad, Arequipa, Ica, and Huánuco.
March 13 - All incoming and outgoing flights to Asia and Europe have been suspended. Schools are closed around Perú; and the government has instituted a restriction on the gathering of groups larger than 300 people. A multi-sectorial commission of the government is considering further restrictions - including closing all borders. Ecuador closed their border with Perú on 15 March.
March 11 - The President of Perú released an Emergency Decree, published in the official newspaper El Peruano. The decree helps to shore up public health and emergency response and states that "those who enter the national territory [Perú] from countries with an epidemiological history will be subject to isolation for 14 days." Currently the United States is not specifically listed as one of the countries requiring a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Countries specifically listed include: China, France, Italy, and Spain.
For information on the impact of the pandemic in other Latin America nations - check out the Council of the Americas website, although information is not updated everyday. Check out updates at: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/where-coronavirus-latin-america
For more information on HBI's recommendations, please read the following briefing document from the Health Bridges Medical Director, Dr. Robert Gehringer. Please contact the Health Bridges team with questions about your planned service learning projects or travel with HBI.
General Information on Coronavirus and COVID-19
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Mass General Global Health (a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical school):
https://globalhealth.massgeneral.org/covid-19/
Pan-American Health Organization:
https://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?lang=en
World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
World Health Organization Situation Reports:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
U.S. State Department Travel Advisories:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Mass General Global Health (a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical school):
https://globalhealth.massgeneral.org/covid-19/
Pan-American Health Organization:
https://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?lang=en
World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
World Health Organization Situation Reports:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
U.S. State Department Travel Advisories:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/