The epidemiological report of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) also indicated that about 20 new deaths were registered, which brings the number of deaths from COVID-19 to 3,193. The case fatality of the virus is currently at 1.8%.
In the country, some 152,890 people have been recovered, while on active cases it is reported that the figure has increased to 21,636.
In this same line it is detailed that 19,596 people are confined to their homes and another 721 have been housed in hospital hotels, after having been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Regarding those hospitalized in wards, it is reported that the number of patients is 1,319 and those confined to intensive care units are established at 161.
Some observers have argued that the Minsa reported case fatality rate (number of COVID linked deaths / number of known cases) in reality should be much lower, as the number of reported cases does not necessarily reflect the truth, as the testing does not cover the whole population, and many cases go undetected. At the same time, the government can't report what they don't know, but readers should note that the numbers may tell a different story from the reality.
Also, how a "COVID death" is counted is also unclear, as many of the deaths correspond to underlying previous conditions, such as cancer, blood diseases, other age related diseases etc., and are reported as COVID deaths since the patient also had the coronavirus. On the other hand, many viruses are known to lower the patient's immunity and expose them to other diseases. As an example most HIV/AIDS patients don't die from the virus itself, but from other derived diseases such as pneumonia or regular flu.
There have also been reports on the inaccuracy of the PCR test, which would highly compromise any figures mentioned above.
In lack of better information sources, PanaTimes continues to report the government (Minsa) announced figures. Readers are adviced to use their own judgement.