Returning to normal without lowering our guard

People in the province of Artemisa smile differently since wearing masks was declared non-mandatory, but they claim to be aware that we must all be cautious and keep carrying one with them out there.

On June 1, taking into account the low levels of COVID-19 infection, Cuban authorities announced that people were no longer required to wear the mask at all times, although they stressed that it is extremely important to keep wearing one in closed or crowded spaces, in health institutions to avoid the risk of respiratory infections and wherever there is a risk of contagion.

Roberto Fernández Cordobés, a general integral doctor, said that despite the low number of cases—only 11 in the first half of June—and that life the province is going back to normal, these figures should not lead to carelessness and low risk perception, and remarked that the masks keep COVID-19 and other respiratory pathologies such as influenza and pneumonia from spreading.

Yakelín Oliva Pluma, a local nurse, pointed out that the masks are here to stay, since they protect health workers as they perform their duties. “It’s true that it’s comforting to see again long-covered and almost-forgotten faces, but it will always be better to be responsible about our lifestyle to avoid exposure to a virus that is now less frequent but no less dangerous,” she said.

Many other residents throughout the province claim to be aware of the need for personal responsibility, be it in schools, workplaces, hospitals, buses or public roads because, if nothing else, this pandemic has taught us that we must have wishes in life, but not lower our guard.