Peru: COVID-19 death toll rises to 1,714

By Sinan Dogan

ANKARA (AA) - The number of people killed by the novel coronavirus climbed to 1,714 in Peru, health officials there said Saturday.

Peru recorded 87 deaths in the past 24 hours and diagnosed cases rose to 61,847 with 3,321 additions.

President Martin Vizcarra told the media the spread of the virus lost momentum because of social isolation and emergency measures during 54 days of quarantine.

He said policies were expanded to May 24 and 150,000 police and army personnel would be deployed to ensure security.

Peru confirmed its first case of COVID-19 March 6 and its first death March 20.

After originating in China last December, the virus has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed nearly 273,000 worldwide, with more than 3.9 million infections, while recoveries have exceeded 1.3 million, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas