Paraguay is the new Brazil: Coronavirus infections soar amid collapsing health system

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Paraguay’s health ministry has declared a red alert as coronavirus infections continue to soar, demonstrators continue to demand change and the health system increasingly comes under strain.

Authorities are concerned that poor compliance with hygiene measures could cause the overstretched health system to collapse, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The country’s hospitals lack key drugs to treat Covid-19 patients, and almost all beds in the intensive care units of public hospitals are now occupied.

Tuesday was the fifth day of anti-government protests in a row in the country.

Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni resigned on Friday due to public pressure. After demonstrations turned violent on Friday evening, President Mario Abdo Benitez called on all cabinet ministers to resign.

So far, 171,985 coronavirus infections have been recorded in the South American country.

According to the Health Ministry, 3,360 patients have died in connection with Covid-19.

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