ZCZC
BFF-09
VIRUS-CHILE
Chile registers new daily record of COVID-19 deaths, cases
SANTIAGO, June 13, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Chile registered its worst daily
figures for covonavirus fatalities on Friday, with 222 deaths and more than
6,700 new infections in the previous 24-hours, authorities said.
“The situation in our country continues to rise, above all in the
metropolitan region,” health ministry official Arturo Zuniga said.
Infections have risen steadily in the South American copper giant despite
the capital Santiago and its seven million people being placed on lockdown
four weeks ago.
On Friday, the government also put the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
under mandatory quarantine, along with nearby rural towns.
The quarantine orders mean that nearly half of Chile’s 18 million population
is under strict confinement.
Chile had registered more than 160,000 infections early Friday, with a total
2,870 deaths.
Health officials said the emergency services were operating at maximum
capacity to contain the virus.
Zuniga said 1,391 patients were on ventilators Friday, with 373 of them in
critical condition.
“We have the possibility to continue increasing our mechanical ventilator
capacity, according to patients’ requirements,” said Zuniga.
“Purchases that we have committed to will continue coming.”
BSS/AFP/MMA/0940HRS