Coronavirus deaths climb in South America

By Faruk Zorlu and Sinan Dogan

ANKARA (AA) - The death toll in parts of South America from the novel coronavirus continued to rise Wednesday as the region grappled with the spread of the disease.

Brazil's death toll from the coronavirus rose to 240, according to U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

More than 6,800 confirmed cases were recorded while 127 patients have recovered.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who previously referred to coronavirus measures as “hysteria,” said at a recent press conference that the coronavirus is the country’s biggest test in a generation.

"It is our main duty to save lives without disrupting the country's business sector. We should especially approach the elderly and the patients with caution," he said.

On March 18, a state of emergency was declared in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states, where the outbreak was most visible.

Ecuador meanwhile reported 14 more deaths from the coronavirus, taking the country’s death toll to 93, Deputy Health Minister Ernesto Carrasco said Wednesday.

Over 2,700 confirmed case were reported.

Speaking on the ages of people infected with the virus, Carrasco said there are 1,678 cases between the ages of 20 and 49 and 672 cases between the ages of 50 and 64.

The global death toll from the virus has hit 47,231 with 937,091 confirmed cases and 193,764 recoveries, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The coronavirus attacks the respiratory tract with the potential to cause pneumonia and death.

Despite its severity, most people experience mild symptoms and recover, but the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.