It might be the first time (it might not) that this term that has the whole world watching is heard so much, but to be honest, we just have to investigate a little and remember that this isn’t necessarily something new and that we shouldn’t be paralyzed waiting for this emergency to blow over. Simply follow the measures that your government dictates and continue working whenever possible from home.

Check the Q&A for travelers coming to Peru with RESPONS.

“Coronaviruses are types of viruses that infect the respiratory system. They are found in both animals and people. Coronavirus infections in people are common throughout the world. They don’t usually cause serious illness.”

Source: Medlineplus

So: Is there more than one coronavirus? Are they common? Are they not serious?

In 2002 there was a SARS epidemic and in 2012 a MERS one, both coronaviruses but they are not all, only the best known for the pandemics caused.

Coronavirus infections are common, but of course, they’re not quite like a cold. Yes they can become serious if adequate medical care is not provided, or if it is complicated by other conditions, but in reality it is the health personnel who care for the sick, who are at greater risk. Same for the elder.

“Sometimes a coronavirus that infects animals will change and turn into a new coronavirus that can infect people. These coronaviruses can be more serious and sometimes lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs.”

Source: Medlineplus

And the globalized-connected world in which we live causes the scenarios to occur as we are now, with a map with naturally transboundary cases and cases of distant outbreaks but that have been given by the displacement of people through means of fast and long distance transportation.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE

“It’s clearly understood that airports or any land borders cannot prevent a disease from entering. People in the incubation period can cross that border, can enter countries and can then infect others when they become sick.

Borders are important because you can provide to people arriving from areas that might be at risk of having had infection, provide them with an understanding, either a printed understanding

or a verbal understanding, of what the signs and symptoms are of this infection, and what they should do if they feel that they might be infected.”

David Heymann

Professor, Infectious Disease Epidemiology

London School of Higiene and Tropical Medicine

Source: TED

What is the current situation in Peru?

The country borders are now closed (for a period of 28 days) at the time when a lockdown (quarantine) is also inforced (at least until April 13) and a daily curfew from 8pm to 5am.

Source: elperuano.pe

Check the Q&A for travelers coming to Peru with RESPONS.

For confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Peru check here.