COVID-19

March 16, 2020

We haven't heard from Jake today yet.  Given recent developments in Peru, I'm not sure if we will for a couple weeks.  I sure hope he is writing in his journal and recording his experiences.  I want to hear all about what he does to keep from being bored.  I'm guessing he will get a few good naps in, plenty of study time, and time to connect and build relationships with the other Elders in his house.

We got a nice email from his Mission President yesterday reassuring us that they are fine.

 For our part, the following measures and actions are being taken:

- Missionaries have been trained and are being reminded to follow standard preventive health practices.

- The Mission Department is closely monitoring the development of COVID-19 worldwide and is in close contact with Area Presidents, Area Medical Advisors and health professionals. We receive their periodic recommendations on how to proceed.

- We have provided each companionship with two weeks' worth of food and supplies, in case isolation (quarantine) is required

For their part, the missionaries are calm, optimistic that all will go well, and remain very focused on their Mission Statement.

As we speak with them, we are touched by their faith, hope and devotion.

We are grateful for their fervent prayers. We know that the Lord listens and cares for His faithful servants around the world.

News article from Peru:

President Martin Vizcarra on Sunday night reported that the Council of Ministers approved a Supreme Decree, which declares a state of national emergency for a period of 15 days and implies mandatory social isolation due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Peru.

The measure aims to prevent the disease from further spreading in the South American country.

In this sense, the top official indicated that —during this period of time— the Executive Branch guarantees the supply of food, medicine, as well as the continuity of the services linked to water, sanitation, electric power, gas, fuel, telecommunications, cleaning, solid waste collection, funeral services, and others.

Border closure

The President also announced the total closure of the borders, suspending international passenger transport, by land, air, sea, and river. It must be noted the transport of cargo and merchandise is not included.

"I want to emphasize, once again, that these measures, in no way, contemplate the closure of commercial establishments selling basic need products, pharmacies or banks, which will continue to operate and will be permanently supplied," he added.

Circulation

People allowed to circulate in public include those who are in charge of the provision of services and essential goods related to the acquisition, production, and supply of food items and pharmaceutical products; health centers; those who return to their place of residence; and people who take care of the elderly, children, dependent adolescents, and disabled persons.

Also exempted from the mandatory social isolation include financial entities; insurance and pension systems, as well as complementary and related services that guarantee their proper functioning; production, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of fuel; the media; and call centers.

Remarks were made from the Government Palace in Lima.

As is known, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 71 in Peru as at Sunday afternoon.