Two days prior to the COVID-19 lockdown in Perù, which took the country by surprise, Our Lima based business partner, fashion designer Diego Yamashiro invited us to the Congressional Palace in Lima (Spanish: Congreso de la Republica del Peru), the legislative Palace of Perù. It is the seat of the Congress located in the Lima, the capital of Perù.
Senator Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez
Senator Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez COURTESY OF CONGRESSIONAL PLACE OF PERÙ
The government palace, also known as the House of Pizarro, is the seat of the executive branch of the Peruvian Government and the official residence of the President of Perù.
He surprised us with a private tour of the congressional palace with his dear friend Senator Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez. It was an educational and insightful experience; learning about the rich Peruvian history and political structure. It was especially interesting and heartfelt to me because the business that I was about to launch is based on the great heritage of Latin America. We even had a chance to view the House Chamber – all the while unaware of drastic changes that lie ahead due to the global pandemic on the horizon.
And then, two days after, on Sunday, March 15th, Peru went on lockdown. President Martín Vizcarra mandated a curfew and travel ban— placed into effect immediately that evening at 11:59 pm. The national statement read: ‘We urge U.S. citizens in Peru who wish to return to the United States to take advantage of all viable travel options as soon as possible. If you choose not to depart at this time, you should be prepared to remain in Peru until the country’s government ends its nationwide travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19’.
The sudden change in Lima was shocking. The following day, military and police lined the streets of Lima, which gave the once lively feel-good city, a feeling of despair and even fear. The shift in daily activity was all but absent. The streets were empty. So quiet you could hear the birds chirping. A transition to the new-order was in place. Subsequently, Peruvian’s followed this order without question. COVID-19 had made its drastic presence aware to the people. We were living in fear without knowing what tomorrow would bring.
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Peruvian Congressman Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez about where he believes the virus started, how the Peruvian Government’s instilled steps for foreigners to depart to their homeland and when he believes the great nation of Perù will return to normalcy!
Joseph DeAcetis: Talk to Forbes in detail about your position as Senator here in Lima, Peru?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: As a member of one of the most important Political organizations of the country, we are in charge of managing the finances and internal debates.
Joseph DeAcetis: What is the most interesting part about being a Senator?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: The most important is to play our role helping our country especially at moments like this in such a world level crisis.
Joseph DeAcetis: In your words, where do you believe the virus started and give specific details?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: According to my sources, this strain of Corona Virus is a new strand, that was transmitted, in China and from animal to human. Consequentially, turning into this Pandemic.
Joseph DeAcetis: Laddering back to the onset on COVID-19, walk Forbes through the precautionary process and necessary steps that President Martin Vizcarra has taken to stop the spread of the virus?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: For my point of view, these are appropriate steps, Although, a delayed precursory measure. Peru started seeing cases considerably late in the timeline after the initial spread, and based on data acquired from other countries, the president has adapted appropiate measures.
Joseph DeAcetis: There are many foreigners trapped in Perù – who wish to go home: Walk us through the guidelines of what the Peruvian Government has instilled and the steps for foreigners to depart to their homeland?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: From my understanding, there have been scheduled charter flights for fellow countrymen and to repatriate citizen from other countries. All organized, explained and listed on the US Embassy website.
Joseph DeAcetis: Do you believe that the quarantine has been effective in preventing the virus?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: Right now, It is hard to tell what is the best measure. We have experienced a large number of citizens not abiding by the Social distancing and curfew laws implemented. Regardless, I am certain that the implementation of our security measures will result on a decrease in the infected cases represented in the data curve as seen in other countries.
Joseph DeAcetis: Many people are saying that the media has exaggerated the story for its own ratings, what is your reaction to these statements?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: My opinion is that the facts have not been exaggerated.There have been too many global deaths and measure have been taken responsibly. We don’t take decisions based on ratings. We make them based on scientific data and for the utmost protection of our population.
Joseph DeAcetis: In your words, when you you believe Perù will return to normalcy?
Gilbert Alonzo Fernandez: This process will take as long as necessary, and I am sure that Peru will outlast this crisis. We Peruvian, are specialists on confronting crisis like this and coming out victorious.
