Cuba reports 26 new cases of COVID-19. National and foreign patients receive the same treatment, free of charge

Havana, April 1 (RHC) Cuba reported on Wednesday 26 new cases of COVID-19,  bringing to 212 the number of people diagnosed with the disease in the Caribbean island.

Of the confirmed cases, 25 are Cuban nationals, and one is a Spanish citizen.

The head of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Francisco Duran, said that 2742 are hospitalized in isolation, of them 1140 are suspects and 193 positive cases. 188 are reported in stable, 4 in critical, and one in serious condition.

At the community level, the primary health care system is keeping surveillance on some 26 thousand people.

Four positive patients were discharged on Tuesday, for a total of 12 recovered. They will now stay under strict surveillance with daily follow-ups by their family doctor in their houses for two more weeks.

Since the first cases were reported on March 9, six patients have died in Cuba, and one was repatriated.

Dr. Duran stressed that as of Tuesday, a test is underway, aiming to cover 100% of people with epidemiological risks currently hospitalized either because they have been abroad, or had contact with a patient who has tested positive, or suspects to be carrying the new coronavirus.

Likewise,  the test will be applied as of now to all patients diagnosed in Cuba with acute respiratory infections, apparently unrelated to COVID-19.

Asked if there is a differentiated treatment for Cubans and foreigners who have tested positive, or are currently hospitalized, Dr. Francisco Duran stressed that all receive the same treatment and that foreigners are doing so free of charge.