The Ministry’s report, closed at midnight March 31, indicated that 26 new cases were confirmed positive, among 444 patients tested during the previous 24 hours, including 25 Cubans and one Spanish citizen, for a total of 212 in the country, since March 11.
Of the 25 Cubans, eight have a source of infection abroad: the United States and Mexico (3 each), Chile and Spain, (one each), while 10 were contacts of confirmed cases and seven of travelers from abroad.
Of the 212 patients diagnosed with the disease, 188 are in stable condition, while six deaths, one evacuated and 12 recovered patients were reported, including a 94-year-old Cuban woman. Four patients were reported to be in a critical condition and one serious.
A total of 2,742 patients are hospitalized, including confirmed and suspected cases, while another 26,278 persons are being monitored in their homes by primary health care teams.
Beginning across the country today, April 1, specific groups of persons are being tested for the virus, including all contacts and individuals exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infection, among others.
A rapid, reliable test, which can identify a positive case of COVID-19 within 15 to 30 minutes, will be administered to those in isolation; all travelers from abroad; all who arrived in Cuba March 17-23, who are not in isolation since this had not been established as obligatory, at that time; all persons with acute respiratory infections; and older adults in nursing homes.
During the Ministry’s April 1 press conference, Dr. Durán explained that the rapid test can detect persons who may have the virus at a very early stage and is more cost-effective than the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Those who test positive with the rapid test will be confirmed with the PCR, and those who test negative will remain under observation for up to 14 days.
It was also reported that in the community of Consolación del Sur, in the province of Pinar del Río, five more persons were identified with Covid-19, infected by a previously reported case involving a visitor from abroad. This indicates that internal infection exists within the community, and the decision was made to quarantine the area, limiting movement and instructing the population to stay home. Only essential services remain in operation, while authorities ensure that basic needs are met. The measure remains in place for up to 14 days after the last case is identified to reduce the risk of further infection.
(Source: Granma)