Protestors angry over the Paraguay government's handling of the coronavirus crisis clashed with police late Friday, with shops ransacked and cars set on fire.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as clashes in the center of the capital Asuncion left around 20 injured, according to AFP estimates.

A police water cannon tries to put out a fire set by protestors at the commerce ministry headquarters in Asuncion
A police water cannon tries to put out a fire set by protestors at the commerce ministry headquarters in Asuncion AFP / NORBERTO DUARTE

Protestors rallied earlier outside the Congress building to demand the resignation of President Mario Abdo Benitez.

Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni, who has been under attack from lawmakers, including some from the ruling party, and by health worker unions, submitted his resignation, which he made public on Friday after a meeting with the president.

Protestors angry over the Paraguay government's handling of the coronavirus crisis take to the streets
Protestors angry over the Paraguay government's handling of the coronavirus crisis take to the streets AFP / NORBERTO DUARTE

On Thursday, the Senate adopted by 30 votes out of 45 a resolution calling for Mazzoleni to step down.

The coronavirus epidemic is expanding in Paraguay and officials admit the threat is grave.

Protestors rally outside the Congress building demanding the president resign
Protestors rally outside the Congress building demanding the president resign AFP / NORBERTO DUARTE

"We are in a critical situation," said health ministry spokesman Hernan Martinez.

"Let's avoid crowds. It is the only thing that can save us from the collapse of healthcare."

As of Friday, Paraguay had 165,811 cases and 3,278 deaths.

Hospitals were "working hard" but "the situation is complicated," said pulmonologist Carlos Morinigo.

Saturday, the government announced that 20,000 Coronavac vaccines from China had arrived, donated by the Chilean Government of Sebastian Pinera, destined for front-line medical personnel fighting the pandemic.

Paraguay also is awaiting the arrival of 4 million vaccines by the Convax system of the World Health Organization and a million doses of the Russian Sputnik 5, for a population of just over 7,000,000 inhabitants.

So far, Paraguay has received just 4,000 doses of vaccines from Russia, intended for intensive care personnel.