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 42 days) at the time when a lockdown (quarantine) is also inforced (at least until April 26) and a daily curfew from 6pm to 4am.
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.
More from Essential Info
In route towards sustainability: RESPONS briefing 2019-20
Traveling has so many and varied benefits, that it is shocking to think about the negative impacts that doing it …
How to plan your sustainable trip to Peru
My name is Alejandro Teus, I’m the co-founder of Responsible Travel Peru and in this article I’m going to mention …
The many ways to get to Machu Picchu
In addition to the excitement that the mere idea of visiting Machu Picchu implies, there is also the possibility of …