President Martin Vizcarra announced emergency measures which include 15 days of obligatory self-isolation, closure of the country's borders and a temporary end to international flights.

In recognition that not all aspects of mining operations can be stopped, the Ministry of Energy and Mines has given miners a partial exception allowing them to maintain a minimum staff to prevent equipment damage and to operate water treatment and tailings plants.

"The formal unionised mining companies have been evacuating approximately 75% of their workers from 60 different operations and leaving in each operation the minimum necessary personnel to ensure a minimum and indispensable level of technical operation," the SNMPE said in a statement.

Peru is the world's second largest producer of copper and also produces significant amounts of gold, silver, lead and zinc.