Peru extends lockdown until end of June

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Friday extended the South American nation's lockdown until June 30 amid a continued spike in new coronavirus infections.

This is the fifth time Peru has extended its national lockdown first imposed in March, with the country still reporting an increase in daily COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Peru reported a further 2,929 cases and 96 deaths on Friday, taking the total number of infections beyond 110,000 and the national death toll to 3,244.

Defense Ministry footage showed a field hospital which had been set up in the northern city of Lambayeque, with Defense Minister Walter Martos accepting a delivery of ventilators.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.