Peru experiences a largest spike in COVID-19 cases

Peru has recorded its biggest single-day total of coronavirus-related deaths, as millions of souls over the South American country.

Tuesday, 6th April 2021

Peru has recorded its biggest single-day total of coronavirus-related deaths, as millions of souls over the South American country plan to head to the elections to choose a new president and Congress next weekend. The country’s health ministry announced 294 deaths were reported on Saturday, up from a prior record of 277 deaths reported in August. Also read: Mexican President says “he will not take the vaccine” More than 5,600 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Peru. The country among several in Latin America selected to receive a recent surge in infections spurred in part by new, more easily transmissible virus strains. Neighbouring Chile recently postponed a vote to elect an assembly to write a new law due to the rise in COVID-19 infections, but Peru is going forward with plans to take its elections on April 11. Also read: Dominica to receive another 28,800 doses of Covishield vaccine from PAHO An opinion poll published on Thursday by Datum Internacional found that populist official frontrunner Yonhy Lescano had extended his lead over five other competitors vying for another place ahead of a likely June runoff. From the Popular Action party, Lescano had a 12.1 percent stake, putting him atop the group of 18 candidates but far low of the fifty percent needed to avoid a second round. Peru’s presidential candidates' interest in a managerial candidates’ debate, in Lima, Peru, on March 29. Also read: Brazil: Over 66,000 people died of COVID-19 in March 2021 The pandemic has driven Peru more profound into political as well as economic uncertainty, and recent polls give as many as 30 percent of Peruvians will vote blank next Sunday. “Many believe the elections will also guarantee state stability,” Sanchez said. “The candidates aren’t doing for us. They don’t adhere to their promises. It’s only words,” declared Peruvian voter Eufrasia Hurtado. “I’ll vote blank because they are all identical.”