Updated view on how the vaccination against COVID-19 is progressing in Peru (daily updates)
In February 2021, the distribution of doses began in Peru. This site, which is prepared based on the Government’s Open Data platform, shows how coverage is evolving in all regions: https://data.larepublica.pe/avance-vacunacion-covid-19-peru/
HEADLINES
More than 50 children with cleft lip await an operation (02.20.2022)
An average of 52 children from the Lambayeque and Cajamarca regions are waiting for a cleft lip operation. FACES Foundation is in Chiclayo to coordinate with health authorities.
Watch Facebook Live, an interview with FACES in Chiclayo, Feb 20, 2022: https://fb.watch/biwzjZjC7E/
Read the article, in original Spanish, here: Chiclayo: más de 50 niños necesitan operación de labio leporino y paladar hendido | Sociedad | La República (larepublica.pe)
Peru’s Deaths from COVID-19 drop nationwide (02.09.2022)
After a reduction in infections at the national level were registered in the last 2 weeks, the numbers now also indicate a decrease in deaths from COVID-19 since last Wednesday, February 2. In addition, since January 31 there has been a drop in deaths from all causes (covid and non-covid) registered by the National Death Information System (Sinadef)…. the main indicators are down: infections, deaths from all causes and hospitalizations. And although ICU occupancy is still high, there is a drop in new admissions. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Peru’s national curve of infections in decline for 7 days (02.02.2022)
After four weeks of an explosive increase in COVID-19 infections, the curve of the third wave has begun to descend in the last seven days at the national level. There has also been a decrease in hospitalizations throughout the country for the sixth consecutive day.
This was specified by the data analyst Juan Carbajal, highlighting that in this third wave the infections multiplied by 30. On December 25, 2021 the average number of daily cases was 1,570 and, after 4 weeks of continuous rise, a peak of 48,209 was reached on January 23. “That means that infections have multiplied by 30 in just 29 days. That has been the accelerated magnitude of the omicron variant”, says data analyst Juan Carbajal. The descent has been like this. Since January 23, the date on which the maximum peak of cases occurred with 48,209. Just on January 30, that figure has dropped to 30,772. “What does that mean? In 7 days, all that increase in cases has been reduced by 35%, which is fast; it is a little more than a third in just 7 days,” he added.
And this decrease in cases began in Lima, whose population is the largest, added data analyst Rodrigo Parra, who pointed out that there are still regions that are showing an increase in cases: Madre de Dios, Arequipa, Tacna, Huancavelica, Ica, Junin and Ayacucho. “The rest of the regions remain at low levels.” (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
556 doctors died and 7 remain in the ICU, reports the CMP (02.01.2022)
The Medical College of Peru (CMP) reported through its website that 556 doctors have died due to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. According to information from the entity, until January 31, 2022, 263 of the deceased were based in Lima, and 293 in other regions of the country. Another region that registers deaths of doctors as a result of the coronavirus is Chiclayo, where 797 of them were infected with the disease, and another 19 lost their lives. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Minsa rules out new national quarantine due to third wave of COVID-19 (01.10.2022)
The Minister of Health, Hernando Cevallos, ruled out that a total quarantine will be imposed because, according to the official, this measure has not yielded the expected results in Peru. In this sense, the official did not rule out that the Executive implement targeted fences.
It should be noted that Peru exceeded 10,000 daily infections at the beginning of its third wave, thus reaching its maximum peak of cases throughout the pandemic. According to data analyst Juan Carbajal, this increase in infected has been occurring since December 25 of last year. However, the average number of deaths has remained at 35 deaths a day for four months thanks to vaccines. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
The provinces in Peru that move to a high alert level after the arrival of the third wave (01.05.2022)
At a press conference of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the head of the Ministry of Health (Minsa), Hernando Cevallos, indicated which are the provinces that will go to high alert level after confirming that Peru has already entered a third wave of the COVID-19.
“Right now, 21 provinces of the country have been considered as having a high-risk level, including Lima and Callao (…). The other provinces considered at high risk are Ica, Pisco, Cusco, Cajamarca, Jaén, Piura, Sullana, Sechura, Talara, Trujillo, Pacasmayo, Chiclayo, Santa, Puno, Huaura, Bagua, Chachapoyas, Tacna and Huancayo .”
Measures in provinces with a high alert level According to Supreme Decree No. 186-2021-PCM, which is in force until January 16, 2022 include:
- The circulation of private vehicles is allowed on Sundays.
- Strict compulsory social immobilization: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 p.m. m. until 4:00 a.m. m. the next day.
- Commercial establishments must close 1 hour before the start of the curfew.
- Interprovincial land transportation is freely allowed.
- Casinos and slot machines, gyms, cinemas, performing arts, general stores, shopping centers, galleries, conglomerates and department stores, temples and places of worship: 40%.
- Stores supplying basic products, supermarkets, markets, warehouses and pharmacies, activities of sports clubs and associations, restaurants and the like in internal areas, libraries, museums, archaeological monuments, cultural centers and galleries, business and professional events, hairdresser and barber shop: 50%.
- Open beaches.
- Delivery is allowed from 4:00 a.m. m. at 11:00 p. m. from Mondays to Sundays.
- Banks and other financial entities: 60%.
- Not permitted: Mass events, carnivals, traditional festivals, sports stadiums, coliseums.
(Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Vaccinators in Peru’s Amazon face many challenges including religion and rivers (01.04.2022)
In the Peruvian Amazon, geography, religious beliefs and logistics make getting COVID-19 vaccines extremely difficult. But health care workers have not given up.
*** 5-minute listen on NPR’s “Morning Edition” here: https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1070110441/1070110442 (Source: NPR Morning Edition) ***
Over 50% of COVID-19 cases in Lima and Callao are believed to be caused by Omicron (01.03.2022)
Around 53% of COVID-19 positive cases detected in almost all districts located in Metropolitan Lima and Callao region are suspected to be the Omicron variant, National Health Institute (INS) Chief Victor Suarez has warned. For this reason, he noted that this situation is becoming a concern among health authorities because this means that the Omicron variant might be spreading to other regions across Peru.
“… (Omicron) cases have been reported in Piura, Ancash, Ica, La Libertad, Arequipa, Loreto, and in Huanuco, where a COVID-19 case is under investigation. This variant is spreading rapidly,” Suarez remarked. After confirming that, to date, 309 cases of Omicron have been confirmed in Peru, Suarez explained that this variant has immune evasion, which causes previously infected people or those who received any of the vaccine doses to develop the disease. For this reason, the INS representative reiterated the importance of receiving the third dose of the vaccine, especially in the case of people over 60 years of age, who are generally the most vulnerable. (Source: Agencia Peruana de Noticias: ANDINA)
Peru reached goal of vaccinating more than 80% of citizens with both doses (12.31.2021)
“This week we have reached, despite the difficulties presented by the festivities, more than 1,028,000 vaccines…” noted Gabriela Jiménez of the Ministry of Health. …” The figure reached: 80.4% of those immunized with two doses to date. With this update, health authorities have achieved their goal set in mid-2021. “It is an achievement that we have to recognize. Our teamwork. Recognize our valuable nurses, recognize the work of the medical professionals who accompany us in all vaccination campaigns, the statistics, and our technical colleagues “she said. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Beaches to close on New Year’s Eve after crowding (12.30.2021)
There are already 116 cases of omicron. Police and municipalities will monitor that the population respects the measure on December 31 and January 1. Despite being ventilated areas, they can be sources of contagion due to lack of control, says the Ministry of Health. Vaccination hours will be extended until 10 p.m.
Despite the criticism, public beaches and swimming pools have been closed on December 31 and January 1, 2022, in order to avoid large crowds and massive COVID-19 infections, said the Minister of Health, Hernando Cevallos. The measure exempts those people who practice non-contact water sports such as surfing, sailing, rowing, among others that take place exclusively in the sea area. Citizens will be able to stay in the surrounding public spaces such as boardwalks, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Access to rest areas of rivers, lakes, lagoons and swimming pools will also be restricted. Compliance with this measure will be overseen by the local municipalities and the Joint Command of the Armed Forces and the National Police. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Decision today regarding beach closures: What the specialists have to say (12.29.2021)
Authorities met yesterday at the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and agreed that the beaches should be closed from December 31 to January 3. In a separate meeting, the Council of Ministers will decide today whether or not to approve this proposal, according to Lima Mayor Jorge Muñoz. The initiative arose after the last weekend, due to the Christmas celebrations, when agglomerations of people were reported on the beaches. The purpose is to prevent this from being repeated and thereby prevent the spread of coronavirus infections, especially with the omicron variant, which is much more contagious than its predecessors and already spreading in the country.
…Experts consulted agree with the closure of the beaches… Infectious disease doctor Leslie Soto explained that, in principle, these places are safe against the coronavirus, however, the problem is generated by the crowds. He argued that, to take care of COVID-19, it is important to wear a double mask, respect social distancing, wash your hands, be in open spaces and have been vaccinated. Thus, he indicated that since people are crowded on the beaches, social distancing is not met. Besides, he adds, moisture moistens the mask, and a mask in this state is no longer a protective barrier against the coronavirus, “therefore there is a high risk of transmission.” (Edited and translated from original Spanish: El Comercio)
Coronavirus: low influx is registered at vaccination clinics in Lambayeque(12.29.2021)
The Regional Health Manager has expressed concern about the few doses administered on December 24 and 26.
In the current vaccination drive arranged by the Lambayeque Regional Health Management – which ends on Thursday, December 30 – there was a low influx of people coming to receive their first, second or third dose. …Regional manager, Alipio Rivas, expressed his concern at the few vaccines that were administered on December 24 and 26. The official said that only 4,800 and 3,800 doses were placed, respectively.
In contrast, when the Ministry of Health (Minsa) made it compulsory to present the card to enter public places in the region, an average of 22,000 people were immunized each day. A call went out for the population to complete their immunization scheme, especially due to the presence of the omicron variant in the country and neighboring northern regions. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
7.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses secured for children aged 5-11 (12.24.2021)
The Health Ministry reported that the arrival of vaccines against COVID-19 for children aged between 5 and 11 is ensured, which should land in Peru in the first half of January. “We have secured more than 7.4 million doses which will arrive in the first fortnight of January 2022 for children aged 5 to 11 years old; it is a population of 3.7 million children,” Minister Hernando Cevallos indicated. The Cabinet member stressed that Peru is one of the first countries which has managed to secure vaccines for children. Although the minister indicated that the vaccination of children will not be mandatory to return to classes, he said it is recommended that minors attend in-person classed properly protected from the virus. (Source: Agencia Peruana de Noticias: ANDINA)
Vaccination card: Presentation of the certificate will be mandatory as of today (12.19.2021)
Now a requirement for those over 18 years of age to confirm two doses of the vaccine in order to enter closed spaces.
As of Friday, December 10, it is mandatory to present the vaccination card that registers the two doses against COVID-19 for adults over 18 years of age entering closed spaces. The measure was ordered as a preventive action against a possible third wave, the alert of the new Omicron variant, and the advance in the immunization process which aims to reach 80% coverage of the target population before the end of the year. Citizens will be able to have access to these places by showing the physical or virtual card with a QR Code, which will be scanned by the personnel of the district municipality or agents of the National Police, who will be in charge of supporting with the supervision of this provision. Places where the card must be presented include:
- Closed spaces (shopping centers, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, concerts, markets, commercial conglomerates such as Mesa Redonda, Gamarra and others)
- Land terminals for interprovincial travel and airports for national and international travel. If you do not have the full doses, the other option is to present a negative molecular test taken 48 hours in advance
- In-person work (only for work centers with more than 10 workers)
- Work in delivery service
- Work in public transport (drivers and collectors) (Edited and translated from original Spanish: El Comercio)
Vaccine against COVID-19 for children 5 to 11 years old is authorized (12.17.2021)
The General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies, and Drugs (DIGEMID) authorized via directorial resolution the conditional health registry of the COVID-19 vaccine for minors between 5 and 11 years of age, thus approving the vaccine by the Pfizer laboratory.
On December 15… it was announced… that the immunization of children will begin in the month of January. Officials confirmed that they reached an agreement with Pfizer and the batches would arrive in that period. It was confirmed that minors will be administered 10 micrograms, a third of that used for the rest of the age groups. This as it is applied in other countries of the world such as the United States, Chile, Israel and Spain. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Peru is the only country in the world where the 4 variants of COVID-19 circulate (11.25.2021)
The National Institute of Health (INS) announced that Peru is in the eyes of the world after detecting four active variants of COVID-19 at the national level, a fact that has not occurred in any other country. “We are a special case among many countries because we have four variants circulating: gamma, mu, lambda and delta. You can’t see that anywhere in the world,” explained biologist Carlos Padilla, head of the INS Genomic Sequencing team, to Andina. He also indicated that this fact has been reported to the scientific community and has been described in different scientific articles, several of them already published. (Excerpt translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Peru sees increase in COVID-19 positive cases in last three weeks (11.22.2021)
An increase in COVID-19 positive cases has been seen across the country in the last three weeks, which in turn has resulted in higher numbers of hospitalized patients and patients in ICU beds, Health Minister Hernando Cevallos has reported. Overall, he said, hospitalizations increased 30% and ICU bed occupancy rose 60%, mainly in regions such as Piura, Lambayeque, Tacna, Lima, and Callao, but this is still not close to a collapse.
The government official explained that these indicators do not suggest a third wave, although he noted that this increase in COVID-19 positive cases raises an alarm in the health sector.
Additionally, he said there is concern that end-of-year holidays could trigger an increase in infections throughout the country. For this reason, a COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required in closed public spaces starting December 15. Moreover, a campaign will be launched to promote vaccination among those who oppose immunization. (Source: Agencia Peruana de Noticias: ANDINA)
EsSalud warns of an increase in COVID-19 infections in adults aged 60 to 69 years (11.09.2021)
The Intelligence and Data Analysis Unit of the Social Health Security (EsSalud) warned that there has been an increase in coronavirus infections in adults over 60 to 69 years of age. This increase in positive cases has occurred in the last four weeks and sets off the authorities’ alarms, since this age group is a population vulnerable to COVID-19. According to the report, in this last week of November there are already 412 cases of infections, which represents an increase of 22% compared to the 388 positives detected in the last four weeks. The head of the Unit, Dante Cersso, indicated that although there is a decrease at the national level, there is also an increase in regions such as La Libertad, Piura and Tacna. (Excerpt translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Report says 548 doctors have died and 11 remain in the ICU due to COVID-19 pandemic (10.31.2021)
The Peruvian Medical College reported through its website that 548 doctors died due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. According to information from the entity, up to October 29, 2021, 305 of the deceased lived in Lima and 243 in other regions of the country. The most affected departments, after the capital (8,679), are Arequipa, with 1,490 infected doctors and 42 deaths; and La Libertad, with 1,382 diagnosed with the disease and 30 deaths. Another region that registers deaths of doctors as a result of the coronavirus is Lambayeque, where 774 doctors were infected with the disease and another 19 lost their lives. (Excerpt translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Lambayeque: vaccination of adolescents will begin the first week of November (10.25.2021)
In accordance with the provisions of the national vaccination schedule against COVID-19, the regional health manager of Lambayeque, Alipio Rivas Guevara, reported that during the first week of November it is expected to begin the immunization of some 100,000 adolescents in this region. He indicated that the arrival of 60,000 doses of the Pfizer biologic is expected for that day.
…regarding the 92 confirmed cases of the Delta variant in Lambayeque, the manager said that 80% of those infected are stable, while only two presented complications. These are two adults with comorbidity, one is hospitalized in the ICU of the Almanzor Aguinaga Hospital in Chiclayo and the other in the Luis Heysen Hospital. (Source translated and edited from original Spanish: LaRepública)
75% of people over 60 are duly protected against COVID-19 (10.19.2021)
Minister of Health, Hernando Cevallos, highlighted the favorable response of the population in the vaccination centers. In Peru, there are more than 14 million people with two doses.
Cevallos highlighted the response of the population in the vaccination centers. Precisely, during “VacunaRock,” which was held last Monday at the UNMSM campus, the head of the Minsa pointed out that “75% of people over 60 years of age are duly protected. This positions us as a country that is protecting itself against the pandemic.” (Source translated and edited from original Spanish: LaRepública)
Nearly 50% of target population received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine (10.16.2021)
49% of the target population for COVID-19 vaccination in Peru has already received the two doses that prevent severe cases and death from the novel coronavirus.
So far, 31,184,940 doses have been administered in Peru. Out of that total, 17,475,858 were given as first dose, while 13,697,249 as second dose.
It should be pointed out that the target population in Peru consists of men and women over 12 years of age, that is 28,024,250 people.
Currently, everyone aged 18 years and above are eligible to get vaccinated. However, those aged 17 who turn 18 years old this year can also be inoculated. (Redacted from: ANDINA/Agencia Peruana de Noticias)
Ministry of Health (Minsa) prepares for the massive use of AstraZeneca vaccines (10.10.2021)
With a batch of more than 1.2 million doses arriving, immunization of new groups in the regions will begin. The drug is 90% effective, says vice minister. Booster dose for healthcare personnel will start with Pfizer.
1,245,900 doses of AstraZeneca has arrived in Peru, as part of the contract that Peru has with the pharmaceutical company for 14,040,000. This is the second batch, since the first of 163,200 units arrived on September 26, not counting those that arrived through the Covax Facility mechanism. The use of this vaccine has been prioritized in rural areas and, because information campaigns have not been carried out as with Sinopharm, there is a high percentage of people who did not return for their second dose. But, now that the vaccine will be applied throughout the country in a massive way, including Lima and Callao, strong communication campaigns will be carried out to fight against misinformation. (Edited and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública)
More than 86 million schoolchildren have not yet returned to school in Latin America (09.27.2021)
School education was one of the sectors most affected by the restrictions imposed to control the new coronavirus. A recent UNICEF report indicates that in Latin America, more than 86 million children have not yet returned to school. It also indicates that this puts at risk the learning process and the knowledge acquired by schoolchildren before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the last 18 months, the majority of children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean have not seen their teachers or friends outside of a screen. Those who do not have internet have not seen them directly, ”says Jean Gough, UNICEF regional director. The official also emphasizes that there is not only the risk that children will stop learning, but that they will never return to formal education. “Virtual education must continue and improve, but it is clear that during the pandemic the most marginalized families have not had access to learning.” … a United Nations report affirms that nearly 1 billion children around the world are at risk of having a significant “learning loss” due to the interruption of face-to-face classes during the pandemic of the COVID-19. It also estimates that an approximate 47 million schoolchildren have progressively returned to school. (Source in original Spanish: LaRepública)
Vaccination in border areas and indigenous communities advances at good pace (09.27.2021)
The population of rural areas, especially in the high Andean indigenous communities of the Amazon and the border regions are responding to the call for vaccination against Covid-19, said the executive director of immunizations of the Ministry of Health ( Minsa), Gabriela Jiménez Quinteros. (They) indicated that the vaccination process against covid-19 is progressing steadily and, with the supply of vaccines that Peru now has, it has started more intensely and firmly with the population of remote areas and of difficult access due to geographical conditions. (Source in original Spanish: ANDINA)
Delta variant confirmed in Lambayeque (08.21.2021)
The National Institute of Health (INS) informed the Regional Health Management of the results of the sequencing studies of a positive sample of SARS-CoV-2.
The Epidemiology Office of the Regional Health Management confirmed the first case of the Delta variant in the Lambayeque region after sequencing studies carried out by the National Institute of Health (INS) on a positive sample of SARS-CoV-2. Dafne Moreno, head of said specialized unit, told La República that he is a 30-year-old citizen who received outpatient care at the Pimentel district health center (Chiclayo province), after July 27. By 2021 the disease was detected through a diagnostic test.
According to the latest report from the Integrated System for COVID-19 (Siscovid), the Lambayeque region registers 60,423 infected and 6,267 deaths.
‘Hidden pandemic’: Peruvian children in crisis as carers die (08.16.2021)
María Belén, now six months old, is one of an estimated 99,000 children in Peru and 1.6 million globally who have lost a caregiver to Covid-19, according to a study published in the Lancet in July. Covid-19 orphanhood is a “hidden pandemic”, say researchers. Obscured by the more visible tumult of the pandemic, it is damaging the mental and physical health and economic future of the next generation. Peru faces a particularly severe crisis. High levels of informal labour, intergenerational housing and poverty have made it fertile ground for the coronavirus. It has recorded 197,000 Covid-19 deaths – the highest number in the world per capita. (Read the full article here: The Guardian 08.16.2021)
90% of ICU admissions are patients without any dose of the COVID vaccine: About 7% or 8% of ICU patients received a single dose (08.11.2021)
The president of the Peruvian Society of Intensive Medicine (Sopemi), doctor Carlos Lescano, pointed out that 90% of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are people who have not received either dose of the covid vaccine.
Regarding the vaccines from the Chinese laboratory Sinopharm, the president of Sopemi highlighted the existence of scientific evidence on their efficacy, based on randomized clinical trials carried out in Peru and other countries. He pointed out that the health professionals who are on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic are the “palpable evidence” that this vaccine works. Regarding the characteristics of the second wave of the pandemic, Lescano pointed out that 50% of ICU patients are under 50 years of age. He specified that 30% to 40% did not present any comorbidity. Faced with the possible third wave, the specialist considered that Peru currently has around 3,000 ICU beds for covid and non-covid patients. Of these, 700 beds are available. (Source in original Spanish: LaMula.pe 08.11.2021)
Why does Peru have the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 per million inhabitants? (07.25.2021)
Despite the fact that Peru made all the right moves to get out of the COVID-19 pandemic – and that it was one of the first countries in the region to decree a total quarantine – one year and four months later, figures reveal that the efforts were not enough.
A precarious health system, labor informality, and the country’s productive inability are some of the reasons why Peru is one of the nations with the highest number of deaths from the new coronavirus per million inhabitants. The High Level Committee on COVID-19, promoted by Concytec, and which worked for two and a half months, investigated what are the main reasons why the country won in a race where nobody wants to be ahead. The nation, which will be under the command of left-wing professor Pedro Castillo as of July 28, far surpassed Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil.. in deaths per million citizens.
…the first cause is the extreme weakness of the health system… Peru only invests 3.1% of the GDP in this sector, whereas the rest of the countries in the region “invest 6% and developed countries up to 10%” and Peru “had less than half the ICU beds that smaller countries have, such as Ecuador and Bolivia….(challenges with) housing , public transportation, and the informal labor market also contributed. And… among the structural causes there is also the inconsistency of the State, the productive incapacity – due to which Peru exported almost everything during the pandemic – poor nutrition and, finally, inequality, which in recent months has worsened. (Excerpted and translated from original Spanish: LaRepública 07.25.2021)
Regional Government asked the Ministry of Health for ‘vaccine-a-thon’ in Lambayeque (07.13.2021)
…the regional authority indicated that Lambayeque was one of the regions most affected in the first and second epidemiological wave by the coronavirus. He added that, to date, 58,127 positive cases and 6,178 deaths have been registered. Diaz Bravo, stressed that the massive vaccination campaign called vaccine-a-thon must be replicated in the provinces, in order to protect the population against a possible third epidemiological wave. The regional authority assured that there are adequate personnel, logistics and locations to carry out this activity. However, he specified that the Minsa would need to send additional doses, thereby ensuring the success of this innovative prevention activity. (Excerpted from original Spanish: LaRepública 07.13.2021)
Coronavirus in Peru: This is the situation of COVID-19 in the regions (06.28.2021)
Lambayeque: The regional manager of Health, Alipio Rivas Guevara, revealed that in Lambayeque infections by the new coronavirus were reduced by 35%, compared to the previous month. Similarly, the number of deaths has decreased by 20%. (Listen to full audio in Spanish: RPP News)
Covid: Why has Peru been so badly hit? (06.01.2021)
Its official death toll has more than doubled, after the criteria for recording Covid deaths were changed following a government review. So why has Peru been affected so badly? Up until recently, deaths in Peru were only reported as Covid deaths if there was a positive test result to back it up. But throughout the pandemic, excess death figures suggested that the real Covid death toll might be much higher. Excess deaths account for how many more people are dying than would be expected based on the previous few years. Since the start of the Covid outbreak, Peru has recorded around 150% more deaths than would be expected. (Excerpt from BBC. Read the full article here: BBC News)
Peru, the worst country in the world in handling the pandemic (04.02.2021)
New figures from the Financial Times reveal true impact of COVID-19 on mortality.
In the most recent update of its coronavirus figures, the Financial Times charts global concern that reported deaths from COVID-19 are not capturing the true impact of the coronavirus on mortality around the globe. The British publication has collected and analyzed data on excess mortality (the number of deaths above the historical average) around the world, and has found that the number of deaths in some countries is more than 50% higher than usual. . “In many countries, this excess of deaths exceeds the reported numbers of deaths from COVID-19 by wide margins,” the source notes.
Adjusting for population size, the most affected countries are Peru and Ecuador, each of which has seen more than 1,000 excess deaths per million inhabitants. The two Latin American countries also have the highest percentage of excess: the excess of deaths expressed as a percentage of normal deaths during the same period. (Excerpt from original Spanish: Gestión. Read the original Financial Times report in English here)