Chile healthcare woes rise as do COVID cases

Healthcare workers in Chile say they are feeling stretched to the limit amid a surge in coronavirus cases despite a record number of vaccinations in the nation.

5,497 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the country in the latest 24 hour period, according to government statistics.

Health Workers leader Esteban Maturana described the present situation as "more than critical."

He said that health workers were struggling to deal with the number of patients in hospitals and estimated that 30% of personnel were unable to currently work due to "medical reasons."

COVID-19 infections have been gradually rising in the nation despite the continuation of the country's vaccination program.

Chile has vaccinated over 7.1 million people, and immunised an estimated 84% of people over 60.

In total, more than 1,094,267 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Chile along with 24,548 deaths as a result of the virus.