This variant possesses 3 mutations in the spike protein (S), K417T, E484K and N501Y, which enable it to evade the neutralising antibodies after a previous infection and/or vaccination 4 while the V1176 5 mutation could lead to a more severe disease. All of them were identified as having the Gamma (P.1) variant of concern, after testing with the Illumina COVIDSEQ genome platform. The INS also carried out genome sequencing of the positive samples with a high viral load (n = 15). Of the 2,186 persons screened, 242 showed positive for the molecular test, obtaining an attack rate of 11%. Access for external personnel (legal advisors) was restricted and the entire prison population (inmates and prison staff) was screened. The following actions were therefore recommended: reinforced infection and prevention control with hand washing, correct use of face masks and social distancing wherever possible. Incorrect use of face masks by inmates and overcrowding (1x3 metre dormitories for 3 persons with 1 window) were also observed. Six oligo-symptomatic inmates were in isolation and 1 inmate was receiving oxygen therapy. It was also informed that 4.2% (n=91) of the total population of inmates (n=2171) are males over the age of 60 with some form of comorbidity such as diabetes mellitus and/or high blood pressure, of whom only 6 were immunised against COVID-19. Interviews were carried out with medical and administrative staff, who identified an index case: a 54 year old inmate who had had a cough, nasal discharge and fever since July 17th, and later the COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed by a positive antigen test. Officers of the Central Department of the INPE then went to the prison to carry out epidemiological research. On Augthe National Institute of Health (INS) was informed of an outbreak of COVID-19 amongst 36 inmates (18 with molecular tests and 18 with antigen tests) at a maximum security centre in Lima, Peru, after a number of them presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19. This statement highlighted the need to meet the challenge of complying with preventive measures to deal with transmission and propagation of COVID-19 in prisons, which have turned into “breeding grounds” for further outbreaks, as reported in other countries 3. On April 30, 2021, the National Prison Institute of Peru (INPE) reported overcrowding levels in its prisons of 111%, where the 69 prisons in its charge with a capacity for 41,211 inmates in fact housed 86,825 2. Prison and external staff are also at risk of infection, given that they are the first link in the chain of transmission and can transfer the virus to the community 1. Prison inmates are highly vulnerable to COVID19, due to overcrowding, poor ventilation and lack of access to drinking water in prisons 1.
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