Prison riots have occurred in Italy, China and elsewhere as prisoners, forced to live in crowded conditions, rebel over prohibitions against visitors while outbreaks are virtually left unchecked.

Opposition lawmakers reportedly blamed the riots on new rules banning visitors from bringing food for the inmates. The riot took place at Los Llanos Penitentiary Center in Guanare in the western state of Portuguesa.

To date, Venezuela has confirmed 335 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths from the virus, but the outbreak is believed to be much more widespread. And the further plunge in oil prices caused by the outbreak has only exacerbated one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

At least  46 prisoners are believed to have died, along with another 60 who were injured, many seriously.