Appearing last night on Cuban television, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz offered a full explanation of Cuba’s strategy for prevention and control of the new coronavirus, Covid-19, beginning by emphasizing the importance of the country’s multi-sectoral, well-organized national public health system, which allows for a fully coordinated response.
Accompanied by Vice Prime Minister Roberto Morales Ojeda, and by Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda, minister of Public Health, he explained that to successfully deal with this situation, the country is counting, first of all, on our health professionals who are known for their passion and altruism, noting that once again their professional capacity will be tested, while insisting that this battle will be won with the efforts of all.
Our people is hardworking, disciplined, and indomitable, evident everyday in our resistance to the great challenges and criminal aggression of the U.S. government.
Marrero reviewed actions undertaken thus far to increase vigilance and prepare to confront the new coronavirus, in compliance with instructions given by Army General Raul Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Party Central Committee.
He noted that at this moment Covid-19 is present in more than 100 nations, with more than 109,000 cases reported, and has claimed 3,811 human lives.
He reiterated that Cuba is standing beside the Chinese government and people, mentioning our modest contribution in providing Interferon Alpha 2b, with proven results.
He reported that, at this time, the disease has not been introduced in Cuba, no cases have been identified, but given the characteristics of the virus, it represents a very real danger.
The possibility exists, despite being an organized nation, which has taken precautions and has a strong health system, complying with recommendations of the World Health Organization and implementing all components of the National Plan with discipline, actively linking all agencies, organizations and the people in general.
Marrerro concluded, «We will continue working and adopting all necessary measures, checking the approved Plan daily, supervising implementation, keeping the population informed, and making necessary decisions in each case. Our people can rest assured, as in other battles, we face this new struggle with the certainty of victory.”
