People demanding COVID benefits clash with police in Chile

Dozens of protesters demanding food aid amidst a lockdown aimed to slow the spread of COVID-19 clashed with police on the outskirts of Santiago on Monday.

During a tense exchange residents of the poor "El Bosque" neighborhood blocked streets with cement blocks, lit barricades, threw stones and firebombs at the police.

Authorities responded firing water cannons to try disperse the gathered demonstrators.

The clashes came amidst growing concern about rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Chile.

Various local administrators in mainly marginalized Santiago neighborhoods confirmed that soup kitchens have multiplied since mandatory lockdown began in late March.

Quarantine measures have affected thousands of Chile's poorest, exacerbating already deprived social conditions by preventing people from working and leaving them without incomes in overcrowded conditions.

Many have lost their jobs or had their working hours reduced.

Chilean President Sebastián Piñera announced on Sunday the delivery of 4.5 million food baskets.

Among the support for companies and individuals, the government has allocated some US$17 billion, about 7% of the national Gross Domestic Product, in aid.