'They think they’ll be left to die': pandemic shakes already fragile Venezuela

Venezuela's official Covid-19 death toll stands just over 300, but hospital employees suggest the true situation may be far worse

As they are hauled into Maracaibo's University hospital, pale, wheezing and panicked, a recurring cry emerges from the mouths of coronavirus patients in this bedraggled Venezuelan metropolis.

Save me!" they plead as they enter A&E, according to hospital staff too scared to give their names. Please don't let me die!"