Several Latin American countries, but not Brazil, are experiencing a resurgence in daily new COVID-19 cases and these nations remain among the 10 worst-affected countries.
Colombia Cases on the Rise
On Sunday, Colombia reported an additional 8,024 confirmed coronavirus cases - a significant increase in the country's daily infections. The country now has 607,938 COVID-19 cases.
The Colombian Ministry of Health reported nearly 20,000 deaths in the country as of Sunday.
Colombia was the fourth hardest-hit Latin American country until Thursday when it surpassed Mexico to become the country with the third most number of confirmed coronavirus infections.
Peru Follows Suit in Resurgence
Peru's health ministry Sunday reported 9,474 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing national infections to 639,435.
Of the total 1,524 are in intensive care while 12,537 are being treated in hospitals nationwide.
President Martin Vizcarra on Sunday encouraged citizens to remain vigilant in the country's battle against the virus. Vizcarra said despite the rise in daily infections there were reports that people continued to crowd into nightclubs.
Vizcarra said the country should continue following proper health regulations and recommendations from experts to prevent further transmissions.
Peru to Kick Off Vaccine Tests by September
As daily new coronavirus cases in Peru rise, researchers said the country would start testing potential COVID-19 vaccines from American pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson and China's Sinopharm next month.
Doctor and lead vaccine investigator at the Cayetano Heredia University in Lima Germán Málaga said China scientists were expected to arrive around Sept. 3 while vaccinations are expected to begin by Sept. 8.
Johnson & Johnson confirmed earlier it would start conducting phase-3 trials for its COVID-19 vaccine in three Latin American countries, including Peru.
Mexico Nears 600,000 Cases
On Sunday, the Mexican health ministry reported an additional 4,129 confirmed COVID-19 cases - bringing national infections to 595,841.
The country has seen a decline in daily new infections over the past week but the government said it was likely the actual number of cases surpassed the official tally.
Mexico's death toll, on the other hand, has reached 64,158 following 339 new fatalities in the past 24 hours.
Mexican Women Inmates Find Hope for Education amid COVID-19
Women inmates at a prison in Mexico have found hope for education during the coronavirus crisis as professionals continue to conduct online classes.
At the Santiaguito prison west of Mexico City, professionals with time on their hands as a result of widespread lockdowns have joined the program to offer free online classes for inmates.
The prison's Plan B foundation includes classes from coaches, businesswomen, chefs and motivational speakers who want to help educate inmates. The website is also looking to get donated classes from clothing experts, gardeners and carpenters.
