President Sebastian Pinera said that the country's healthcare system is "very close to the limit" due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 infections, according to a recently published article. 

Updates on the Number of Cases in Chile

Chile is one of the hardest-hit countries of COVID-19 in Latin America. As of this time, Chile has recorded nearly 70,000 cases and a death toll of more than 700, while more than 28,000 have recovered according to worldometers.

The country has been in an unrest even before they were hit by the global pandemic. People protested and rallied over the country's paltry pensions, fragile safety net, and police brutality against the demonstrators. Now, the country is facing another big problem. 

Chile's Healthcare System is Under Strain

President Sebastian Pinera announced on Sunday that the healthcare system in the country is now "very close to the limit" or under strain because of the rapid increase of infections. He said this as the number of cases approaches to nearly 70,000.

Chile's Ministry of Health Dr. Jaime Manalich reported that an additional 3,709 cases were added in the previous day and this brings the total number to 69,102 and a death toll of 718. However, it is not clear if it was the highest day where the number of infections was recorded.

During the President's visit to a hospital in Santiago, which has the highest number of patients admitted, Pinera said: "We are very close to the limit because we have had a very large increase in the needs and demands for medical care, and for intensive care unit beds and ventilators."

Additionally, the government said that more than 1,000 people have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 related symptoms. 

Unrest in the Country's Capital City

There has been unrest in the country's capital city, Santiago, which is under a strict lockdown because of the coronavirus restrictions. There was a clash between the demonstrators and the police due to the shortages of food while the city is in a lockdown.

Just this weekend, to stabilize peace and order in the city, the government announced that they will bring forward the payment of what they called "planned emergency basic income" to give aid to around a quarter of Chileans who were financially impacted by the pandemic.

Pinera said that there will be around 1.8 million Chilean who will receive financial aid and another three million people will be paid in June. Additionally, the benefit will last for three months. This will somehow give ease to Chileans. However, if the number of cases will continue to spike, the country will face health and economic problems in their already vulnerable economy.

Chile is known as the world's top producer of copper. However, its trades to other countries have been affected due to the global pandemic that restricts travel and shipping. This hinders their economy to work.

Moreover, the country has recorded its first COVID-19 case in early March. In just nearly three months, the country has now recorded nearly 70,000 cases. This means that approximately 778 cases are recorded every day in just 90 days. 

Chile's population is around 19 million and one-third of its people are now in a mandatory quarantine following the lockdown in Santiago and other several cities.  

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