The corridors of the Las Tunas hotel are now drawn too calmly before the eyes of Kirenia Jardines Peña. She looks around and everything fits in the same place as always, but something beyond the architecture itself looks different. Silence becomes complicit as she wanders from one side to the other.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- At the end of the corridor, the faces of some “figures in green” become an enigma. She smiles when he discovers her own reflection in them. "If my children saw me like this, in these outfits," she thinks, still pushing the cart that carries food to the rooms. She is happy to be able to serve the new guests, those who in their way leave the unique flavor of feeling useful.
She did not imagine that her job as a food clerk would involve so many risks and much less, that she would take care of doctors, nurses, technologists and others. “Since April 28, the hotel has functioned as a place of rest and surveillance for health and support personnel that culminates the work in hospitals and isolation centers for COVID-19 suspect patients and contacts.
“I am one of those who access the red zone, but we use all the protection: green suit, caps, masks, gloves. We change our clothes every time we finish the service in an apartment. The meals we take them in disposable trays and they place the leftovers in some bags at the exit of the room, and then the waitresses tie them up, collect and disinfect them.
"Tourism workers have always taken the step forward and today we are contributing our grain of sand," she expresses with happiness.
Kirenia is affable in character, a virtue that comes to her like a “ring to the finger” in her profession. She is not still when it comes to helping others. She says that several ideas haunted her mind in an effort to offer some contribution. For this reason, the news that her center would welcome these brave people filled her with joy; and not just her. At home, her children look at her with admiration and when the applause at 9:00 at night resounds, they say: "Mom, those are also for you."
BEST CLIENTS
For Oralmis Martínez Hidalgo, director of the Islazul Las Tunas branch, taking the helm of the ship in the current circumstances has represented a challenge and, at the same time, a privilege. “In this time more than 450 people have passed through here and we have put our hearts to the task.
“We thank them for health and life, and I feel very proud in paying them back - at least a little - for their sacrifice. We will receive the flag of the Elpidio Sosa Brigade in recognition of the performance of the group in these days. You really have to be in this place to see the dedication of our people, who work at any time.”
She confesses that at first, she was afraid, especially for her parents who are older adults. “I explained to them that we had to be extremely careful; when I get home they don't greet me and I run straight to the bathroom.”
Nearby, Andrés Álvarez Hidalgo, Head of Storage, speaks passionately about his team and cannot hide the joy. “Around 50 workers have performed various roles, since a large number of staff is not active for justified reasons. The Ferroviario Hotel has also complied with this task and we provide them with the foodservice.
“Only the shop assistants with food and waitresses go to the red zone, which change the supplies and clean the area. They are more protected than doctors to enter into an operating room," she says in a jocular tone.
“We have to make them feel as pleased as possible; they deserve it after so many days away from the family and exposing themselves to danger. It is comforting to hear the expressions of satisfaction when they finish their stay.” And he assures: "They are our best clients."
WHEN THE DOCTOR BECOMES A PATIENT
In “201”, Dianelis Tamayo Díaz, First Degree specialist in Comprehensive General Medicine (MGI), finds a true haven of peace after the tense days in the isolation center of the Club Familiar. She finds a way to make the wait enjoyable. "My partner and I spend time studying, listening to music and watching movies," says via WhatsApp.
And she is quick to recognize her caregivers. “For me this has been a unique experience; after treating so many people from Las Tunas we have become patients. Everything has been wonderful, thanks to the healthcare staff and those who work at the hotel.”
Dr. Mirna Sierra Pérez, a second-degree specialist in MGI at the head of the assistance team, spares no effort. She knows, from her own experience, the sleeplessness of wearing a white coat and a stethoscope around her neck. “Physicians with vast experience have passed through here. It has really been a challenge to treat them, and not only them but also professionals from different branches, service workers...”
“We have two basic Health teams in charge of monitoring the signs that could be associated with the disease, and the result of the PCR determines the discharge. There is an emergency post. Nasalferon (Nasal Interferon) has already been applied to a significant number. The regulation is strict and in each room we place two to three people, always coming from the same center where they worked.”
For more than 20 days, Dr. Mirna has not hugged her family and says that they, from their trenches, also face the COVID-19. At that moment, the words catch in her throat, but nothing prevents a definitive expression: "I will be here until necessary."
