BFF-12 Sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Peru and Chile

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BFF-12

VIRUS-PERU-CHILE

Sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Peru and Chile

LIMA, June 1, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Peru on Sunday reported 8,800 new COVID-19
infections, setting a new daily record for a country that already has the
second highest number of novel coronavirus cases in Latin America after
Brazil.

The death toll is now at 4,506, the third highest in the region — itself
the new hotspot of the deadly disease — after Brazil and Mexico, with
President Martin Vizcarra warning the country is only halfway through the
crisis.

Infections have jumped in Peru despite a months-long mandatory lockdown and
a nightime curfew and the government ordering international borders to be
closed.

The spike is concentrated around the capital Lima, where one third of the
population lives, and put tremendous strain on Peru’s economy and healthcare
system.

Four out of every ten Peruvians lost their source of income when the
lockdown began, according to one study, and last week Peru secured a two-year,
$11 billion credit line from the International Monetary Fund. – ‘Tremendous
challenge’ in Chile –

Neighboring Chile on Sunday reported 57 more fatalities in the past 24
hours, a new record that brings the country’s COVID-19 death toll to 1,054.

“We are facing the largest pandemic of the past 100 years,” said Deputy
Health Minister Paula Daza, as she announced the latest figures.

“It is a tremendous challenge; we are living very difficult times in our
country.”

In Santiago, where the 80 percent of the virus cases were reported, 96
percent of the emergency room beds were taken, officials said.

Officials reported a sharp increase in cases over the past two weeks.

In early May the government of President Sebastian Pinera said that the
number of virus cases had hit a plateau, and lockdown restrictions would be
loosened.

BSS/AFP/MMA/1120HRS