Chile President Sebastian Pinera tours COVID-19 field hospital

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera toured 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 h a big increase in needs and demands of patients for medical attention," he said. temporary medical facility is first of five being installed throughout country to alleviate burden on hospitals.

During his Sunday visit to medical facility, Pinera said he was conscious that coronavirus pandemic is stressing 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 government is working on three areas: healthcare in context of pandemic, employment and support for businesses.

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

(Photo Credit: AP)