In this province of eastern Cuba, the health system implements an action plan to minimize the risk of introduction and spread of the new COVID-19 coronavirus, which has so far killed at least 2,800 people worldwide, the vast majority in mainland China.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- The measures also seek to maximize International Health Control at the points of entry into the province (Puerto Carúpano and Guayabal) in correspondence with the regulations in this regard, to detect the possible arrival of sick travelers. They also maintain strict compliance with surveillance measures on those arriving from areas with the transmission.

The Health System in the territory works in medical and hygienic, logistic and technological assurances that allow the best care of suspicious patients. They also offer training on the epidemic to health professionals, technicians, workers and students here.

If suspects of the disease appear, they will be admitted, under strict isolation in three hospitals, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, Guillermo Domínguez López and Mártires de Las Tunas.

The strategy -conducted by Public Health- includes the participation of all agencies, such as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Tourism, Culture, Education, the Inder, Customs, Immigration, and the media.

Ernesto Reyes Fuentes, coordinator of Programs and Objectives of the Defense in the municipality of Amancio, told the local Radio that since January 31 several actions were indicated to prepare the institutions and the people in general in order to prevent the entry of the disease to the country.

"In Education, for example, we work so that students and workers know the symptoms of the disease and how to collaborate in the function of the family and society to avoid it."

“Suppliers from China have access to buy and sell a group of resources when a ship must enter, the conditions for strict inspection are created there.”

Health authorities advise to go to medical centers, and not only because of the risk of contracting coronavirus, but other respiratory conditions that can lead to complications. Some elementary prevention measures should be taken such as covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a handkerchief or the inside angle of your elbow, and constantly washing our hands.

Recently, the national director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health, Francisco Durán, confirmed that in Cuba there is no case of coronavirus and there are laboratory reagents necessary for timely diagnosis.