Chile President Sebastian Pinera tours COVID-19 field hospital

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera toured the Sótero del Río hospital in Santiago where a field hospital was set up with 100 beds to attend to patients with Covid-19.

"We are very near its limits because we've had a big increase in the needs and demands of the patients for medical attention," he said. The temporary medical facility is the first of five being installed throughout the country to alleviate the burden on hospitals.

During his Sunday visit to the medical facility, Pinera said he was conscious that the coronavirus pandemic is stressing the nation's health system. Chile has seen an accelerated increase in contagions and deaths in recent days.

Chile has reported 69,102 total cases and 718 deaths, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Pinera said the government is working on three areas: healthcare in the context of the pandemic, employment and support for businesses.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

(Photo Credit: AP)