After nine weeks of confinement in their homes, Peruvian children and adolescents were able to go for short walks this Monday as a measure to lighten the confinement intended to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The objective of this decision, as explained by the Ministry of Health, is to reduce the feeling of confinement of those under 14 years of age during the health emergency in force since March 16.
Circulation is limited for now to a daily 30-minute walk over a distance of no more than 500 meters from the home, accompanied by an adult.
In addition, during the walk they must wear masks and maintain a distance of not less than two meters with other people.
During this walk, they cannot go to supermarkets, markets, banks or board public transport vehicles.
The exit rules in half of the districts of Lima and in almost half of the regions of Peru. The walk has not been authorized in the areas with the highest risk of contagion of the coronavirus.
"In districts with high risk of transmission, leaving children can increase the risk of infection and transmission of the disease in their family environment, including older adults," Deputy Health Minister Nancy Zerpa told reporters.
In Peru there are about 8.5 million children and adolescents, of whom around half were allowed to walk.
"It is important to mention that if they see a friend they will be able to greet them, but not come to play and that they still cannot carry toys, tricycles or skateboards," said the director of Mental Health of the Ministry, Yuri Cutipé.
Upon returning home children should properly wash their hands.
The ministry warned that children with a diagnosis or symptoms of coronavirus are not allowed to circulate or are in quarantine due to health regulations.
The College of Psychologists had asked the government to postpone the departure of children.
"If any child or adolescent becomes infected and transmits it to someone they love, for example grandparents, the handling of grief and feeling of guilt would be very difficult to treat," the entity said in a statement.
At least 17 minors have died in Peru as a result of the coronavirus. The total death toll in the country is 2,789.
Circulation is limited for now to a daily 30-minute walk over a distance of no more than 500 meters from the home, accompanied by an adult.
In addition, during the walk they must wear masks and maintain a distance of not less than two meters with other people.
During this walk, they cannot go to supermarkets, markets, banks or board public transport vehicles.
The exit rules in half of the districts of Lima and in almost half of the regions of Peru. The walk has not been authorized in the areas with the highest risk of contagion of the coronavirus.
"In districts with high risk of transmission, leaving children can increase the risk of infection and transmission of the disease in their family environment, including older adults," Deputy Health Minister Nancy Zerpa told reporters.
In Peru there are about 8.5 million children and adolescents, of whom around half were allowed to walk.
"It is important to mention that if they see a friend they will be able to greet them, but not come to play and that they still cannot carry toys, tricycles or skateboards," said the director of Mental Health of the Ministry, Yuri Cutipé.
Upon returning home children should properly wash their hands.
The ministry warned that children with a diagnosis or symptoms of coronavirus are not allowed to circulate or are in quarantine due to health regulations.
The College of Psychologists had asked the government to postpone the departure of children.
"If any child or adolescent becomes infected and transmits it to someone they love, for example grandparents, the handling of grief and feeling of guilt would be very difficult to treat," the entity said in a statement.
At least 17 minors have died in Peru as a result of the coronavirus. The total death toll in the country is 2,789.