Eleven thousand 33 new positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in Cuba in the last 14 days. This number, although it shows a decrease in the incidence rate of the disease per 100,000 inhabitants —which in that period was 99.6 in the country— draws attention to the high numbers of confirmed cases that remain in the country.
The emphasis was made this Saturday by the Minister of Public Health, José Angel Portal Miranda, during the meeting of the working group for the prevention and control of the new coronavirus, headed from the Palace of the Revolution by the member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.
Portal Miranda explained that in the past two weeks the highest incidence was concentrated in six provinces that maintained this indicator above the national average: Ciego de Ávila (406.7), Mayabeque (315), Sancti Spíritus (247.9), Camagüey (142.5), Las Tunas (119) and Villa Clara (115.1).
Of those territories —he emphasized— only Sancti Spíritus decreased its rate in the reference period, and although in previous times a greater number of provinces had their incidence rate higher than that of the country, it is essential to continue attending with total priority the behavior of the disease, which will allow timely adoption of the necessary measures.
When updating on the epidemiological situation at the close of Friday, the Minister of Public Health commented that 789 new patients were diagnosed, which means an increase of 1.4% of cases compared to the previous day. The provinces of Sancti Spíritus and Ciego de Ávila reported infections in 100% of their municipalities, he warned.
As favorable elements, he pointed out a decrease in the number of people who remain positive —there were 3,556, 63 less than the previous day—, and also of the patients admitted to intensive care rooms: eight people were in critical condition, one less than the previous day, and 16 in serious condition, eight less.
In particular regarding vaccination, he pointed out that at the end of March 31, 35,405,249 doses had been applied in Cuba, which has allowed 95.7 of the vaccinable population to have their complete schedule, of which 77.1% have received reinforcement.
On this last aspect, Portal Miranda insisted on the importance of recovering as many people as possible who have their booster vaccination pending. The causes can be multiple, determining them is essential to advance in the immunization of the Cuban population, a fundamental element also to achieve greater control of the epidemic.
In the meeting of the temporary group, where the member of the Political Bureau and Vice President of the Republic, Salvador Valdés Mesa, also participated, the epidemiological situation of the entire national territory was evaluated through videoconference; as well as the availability of medicinal oxygen; the measures that are adopted to minimize the effects of drought; and the electricity distribution strategy.
