Venezuela’s president Maduro unveils hospital beds set up in sports dome

Venezuela’s president has unveiled hundreds of hospital beds set up inside a sports dome in the capital of Caracas as his government prepares for a possible wave of coronavirus infections.

President Nicolás Maduro went on state TV to show off the converted complex on Friday as he urged Venezuelans to stop throwing parties and wash their hands to prevent the virus’ spread.

Inside, the dome’s floor is walled off with beds.

Outside, dozens of tents in the parking lot hold even more.

Venezuelan officials have reported 164 deaths from COVID-19 so far, among more than 18,000 confirmed infections.

The official daily count on Friday hit an all-time high with 715 new reported illnesses.