Venezuela coronavirus cases spike, opposition warns healthcare system may be overwhelmed

A doctor takes part in a walking round at the low-income neighborhood of Las Mayas, as cases rise amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Caracas, Venezuela July 14, 2020. Picture taken July 14, 2020. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

CARACAS (Reuters) - Coronavirus cases in Venezuela have jumped in recent weeks and two top lieutenants of President Nicolas Maduro have tested positive, triggering warnings from health workers that the pandemic may overwhelm the country's already battered healthcare system.

Venezuela's case count began to accelerate last month and is rising by more than 30% every week, according to Dr. Julio Castro, part of a medical advisory team working with opposition leader Juan Guaido.