Cuba begins mass testing for Covid-19 as new cases fall to fewer than 20 per day

A partial shutdown closed Cuba’s borders, tourism, schools and public transportation and it appears infections are contained

A worker transports medical supplies donated to Cuba from China. Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock

Reuters in Havana

Cuba has begun mass testing for coronavirus as it appeared to have contained infections, amid a partial shutdown that has exacerbated a shortage of basic goods.

New cases have fallen to fewer than 20 per day from a peak of around 50 in April.

Since the first Covid-19 illness was reported two months ago, there have been 1,804 confirmed cases, of which 70.7% have recovered and 78 people have died.

Cuba has closed its borders and the tourism industry, schools and public transportation. Masks are mandatory and eating at restaurants, bars and social gatherings prohibited. Cubans have been urged to stay at home and practice social distancing.

Read more