The President of the Republic Martin Vizcarra on Monday afternoon announced that the Council of Ministers approved an exceptional bonus of S/380 (about US$107) for each vulnerable family to be affected during the 15-day social isolation period recently decreed by the Government to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Peru.

"There is an important sector of the population that is vulnerable and relies on a daily work life system in order to be able to subsist. That important percentage of the vulnerable population will not be left behind; what we are going to do today at the Council of Ministers is to approve an Urgency Decree aimed at granting an economic bonus to each of these families," he stated.

The Head of State said the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has made a calculation and determined that —for these 15 days— an economic bonus will be given to vulnerable families for them to abide by the state of emergency.

Likewise, the top official indicated that —thanks to the mechanisms in place— the corresponding transfers will be made, so that vulnerable families can get the income that they may not receive otherwise, while the state of emergency remains in place.

According to the statesman, calculations show that there are around 9 million vulnerable people who need this financial support. He added that the Government relies on the support of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) database, which contains information about the nation's citizens.

Remarks were made during a press conference held at the Government Palace in Lima. The President was joined by the Council of Ministers on the occasion.