Peru extends state of national emergency to October 31

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Friday announced that the government decided to extend the state of national emergency to October 31, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, Peru has reported 788,930 cases, the second highest infection rate in Latin America, with over 31,000 deaths.

According to the president, the country will also push forward further reopening of its economy in October, allowing international flights to countries in the region and more people into its restaurants and stores.

Restaurants will soon operate at as much as 50 percent capacity, while shopping centers capacity will rise to 60 percent. Bars, discos and cinemas will remain closed, Vizcarra said.

He also announced international flights would resume on October 5. "We will begin flights with neighboring countries in the region" he said, adding there would later be a gradual expansion to other destinations.