World1 min(s) read
Published 09:12 25 Aug 2020 GMT
Police around the world are battling to stop breaches of restrictions implemented to halt the spread of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Officials have now revealed that 13 people have lost their lives after a crowd fled a nightclub in Lima, Peru that was in breach of coronavirus restrictions, the New York Post reports.
Around 120 people are reported to have attempted to exit the Thomas Restobar club through its only entrance door, resulting in the deaths of the 13 through crushing or asphyxiation on Saturday night.
Six people, including three police officers, were also injured after becoming trapped between the door and a staircase leading to the street, the New York Post continued.
The number of people injured could be higher.
"In these circumstances when people begin to fight to get out, it's tumultuous, everyone goes against each other," Orlando Velasco of the National Police told local radio station RPP.
Peru is suffering the highest infection rate in South America and nightclubs have been shut since March, with extended family gatherings also having been banned on August 12.
"The Minister of the Interior deeply regrets the death of thirteen people as a result of the criminal irresponsibility of an unscrupulous businessman; and extends his deepest condolences to his family members," read a statement from the office of Jorge Montoya, NPR reports.
According to a tally from Reuters cited by the New York Post, the number of infections in Peru has doubled since July 2 to 585,236 confirmed infections as of Saturday.
This comes after Reuters reported that while lockdown measures have been eased in England, the punishments for rule breaches have been stiffened.
Those who refuse to wear a facemask where they are required to do so could face fines of up to $4,175 (£3,200).
"Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
