With COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba's medical system faces its biggest test yet
Nora Gámez Torres and Mario J. Pentón, The Miami Herald
Feb. 8—Cuba managed to navigate the first waves of the coronavirus pandemic thanks to a strict quarantine and a public health system that, although hit by many shortages in recent years, remains stronger than its counterparts in many of its Caribbean neighbors. But a new wave of cases has cast a spotlight on the lack of resources lashing the island's hospitals.
Doctors in cities like Cienfuegos say the shortages of PCR tests and personal protection equipment have put them at risk. In Havana, the number of patients in hospitals has been rising, and the government says it is adding ICU beds. Health professionals say they are concerned about a shortage of medical workers to help care for COVID-19 patients.