Chile market gets 'Tunnel of Life' to battle virus

They are calling it the "Tunnel of Life" as it sprays people with disinfectant while they enter a food market in Chile's capital, as worries about the coronavirus outbreak have triggered quarantines and other health measures to slow down its spread.

Shoppers are sprayed with high-level disinfectant as they come in or exit the market in Santiago's Recoleta municipality. Market officials hope it will assist in lowering the coronavirus infections.

With 5,116 cases of coronavirus, and 43 deaths, Chile is now the country in Latin America with the most cases of coronavirus after Brazil. Among those infected in Chile are 286 health officials, three of whom are in a serious condition.

The tunnel, which was put in place Tuesday at one of the market's main entrances, is part of other hygienic efforts at the food market.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera declared a state of national disaster in March, handing over the maintenance of public order to the armed forces as a measure to control the advance of coronavirus infections in the country.