Virus outbreak in Chile prison; Pinera on jab deal

Chilean authorities on Tuesday disclosed 93 inmates had tested postive for the coronavirus at the Rancagua prison, south of the capital Santiago.

The prison conducted more than 300 tests after some inmates showed symptoms of COVID-19.

All of the prison's guards and officers who were tested returned negative results.

Authorities said some of those who had tested positive  presented mild symptoms, while none were reported serious.

Also Tuesday, President Sebastian Piñera said the Chilean government had reached a new agreement with CanSino and its local distribution partner, Saval, to obtain 1.8 million new doses of its single-shot vaccine.

The doses will arrive in Chile between May and June.

Chile is under an extensive coronavirus lockdown, aiming to reduce the high infection rates and free up hospital beds.

The country has administered the highest number of vaccine doses in Latin America, reaching close to 40% of its population.

(Image Credit: AP)