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42-647: In response to fight against COVID-19 , Finlay Institute has developed the Soberana 02 . In March 2021, Vicente Vérez, director of the Finlay Institute, announced a delay in the development of vaccines and indicated the start of vaccination of the Cuban population in July 2021. This article about vaccines or vaccination is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This Cuba -related article

84-461: A melt blowing process. In addition, respirators, unlike cloth face masks, are regulated for their effectiveness based upon efficiency of minimum particle size filtered and/or maximum penetrating particle (MPP) size, along with other criteria such as outer splash/spray protection, inner splash/spray absorption, contaminant accumulation and shedding, air flow, and inflammability. Like surgical masks, and unlike respirators, cloth face masks do not provide

126-431: A fourth confirmed case was announced. This was a Cuban, whose wife had arrived from Milan , Italy on 24 February, and who had started showing symptoms on 27 February. The husband had begun to show symptoms by 8 March. Both were tested and he was positive. The wife was stated to be negative because the disease had run its course. On 16 March, the cruise ship MS  Braemar , with over 1,000 passengers and crew on board,

168-656: A hydrophilic inner layer (e.g. cotton) to absorb moisture from the wearer's breathing and hydrophobic outer layers (e.g. polyester). Masks should be cleaned after each use. They can either be laundered or hand-washed in soapy hot water and dried with high heat. In Roman times, Pliny the Elder recommended that miners use animal bladders to protect against inhaling lead oxides. Some followers of Jainism , which originated in India around 500 B.C.E, wear cloth masks to avoid accidentally inhaling insects as part of practicing ahimsa . In

210-575: A last resort if supplies of surgical masks and respirators are exhausted. They are also used by the general public in household and community settings as perceived protection against both infectious diseases and particulate air pollution and to contain the wearer's exhaled virus laden droplets. Several types of cloth face masks are available commercially, especially in Asia. Homemade masks can also be improvised using bandanas , T-shirts , handkerchiefs , scarves , or towels . But depending on

252-559: A means of obscuring identity. In 1890 William Stewart Halsted pioneered the use of rubber gloves and surgical face masks, although some European surgeons such as Paul Berger and Jan Mikulicz-Radecki had worn cotton gloves and masks earlier. These masks became commonplace after World War I and the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. Cloth face masks were promoted by Wu Lien-teh in the 1910–11 Manchurian pneumonic plague outbreak , although Western medics doubted their efficacy in preventing

294-484: A number of cities when thousands took to the streets protesting against COVID-related restrictions. The island is suffering from an acute shortage of consumer goods and medical supplies during a severe economic downturn. Cuba manufactures two COVID-19 vaccines , at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and Finlay Institute . As of 31 August 2021 about 75 million doses had been produced. On 11 March,

336-662: A program of mass testing was beginning. As of 30 May, the city of Havana represented slightly more than half of the total confirmed cases. On June 18, 2020, the Cuban government started to set out a reopening plan with all the provinces, except Havana and Matanzas, being put in a first phase of recovery. Provinces in phase 1 would be able to reopen restaurants, bars, gyms, swimming pools, and beaches with capacity limits and social distancing measures being put in place. As of Friday, June 19, there were 2305 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cuba with 85 associated fatalities. On Friday, July 3

378-457: A prominent role in the country's response to the COVID-19 crisis. Cuba sent medical personnel to the hardest-hit Italian wealthy region of Lombardy , as well as Angola and a dozen Caribbean states including Suriname . Cuba engaged effective COVID-19 preventive measures, and despite the concurrent economic crisis and shortages of consumer products , in July 2020 officials reported that during

420-497: A seal around the face, and prior to the 2019 COVID-19 outbreak were generally not authorized by institutions for protection from sub-HEPA particle size (less than 0.3 um) Influenza Like Illness (ILI). In healthcare settings, they are used on sick patients as source control to reduce disease transmission through respiratory droplets , and by healthcare workers when surgical masks and respirators are unavailable. Cloth face masks are only recommended for use by healthcare workers as

462-557: A systematic review. The primary role of masks worn by the general public is to "stop those who are already infected broadcasting the virus into the air around them". This is of particular importance with the COVID-19 pandemic , as silent transmission seems to be a key feature of its rapid spread. For example, of the people on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship , 634 people were found to be infected—52% had no symptoms at

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504-597: A tea towel blocked 72% and a cotton t-shirt 51%—though fitting any DIY mask properly and ensuring a good seal around the mouth and nose is crucial. The use of common fabrics in making face masks has been tested. Filter efficiency can be improved with multiple layers, high weave density, and a mix of different types of fabrics. Cotton is the most commonly used material, and filter efficiencies can reach >80% for particles <300 nm with fabric combinations such as cotton-silk, cotton-chiffon, or cotton-flannel. The most protective cloth masks need at least three layers with

546-496: Is a mask made of common textiles , usually cotton , worn over the mouth and nose. When more effective masks are not available, and when physical distancing is impossible, cloth face masks are recommended by public health agencies for disease "source control" in epidemic situations to protect others from virus laden droplets in infected mask wearers' breath, coughs, and sneezes. Because they are less effective than N95 masks , surgical masks , or physical distancing in protecting

588-471: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba The COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba was a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ). The virus was confirmed to have spread to Cuba on 11 March 2020 when three Italian tourists tested positive for

630-401: Is a machine that can analyse a vaccine's chemical structure. In spite of their relatively slow development process, Cuba aims to manufacture 100 million doses of Soberana 02 in 2021 to cover its population and to export the surplus. On June 21, 2021, Cuba reported that its Abdala vaccine is 92.28% effective against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination has been limited by a lack of syringes, which

672-555: Is strongest for 2 to 4 layers of plain weave cotton or flannel, at least 100 thread count . A plain-language summary of this review is available. Cloth face masks can be used for source control to reduce disease transmission arising from the wearer's respiratory droplets , but are not considered personal protective equipment for the wearer as they typically have very low filter efficiency. There are no standards or regulation for self-made cloth face masks. As of 2015, there had been no randomized clinical trials or guidance on

714-518: The COVID-19 pandemic , their use in developed countries was revived due to shortages , as well as for environmental concerns and practicality. Launderable cloth electret filters were also being developed. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic , reusable cloth face masks were predominantly used by healthcare workers in developing countries and were especially prominent in Asia. Cloth face masks contrast with surgical masks and respirators such as N95 masks , which are made of nonwoven fabric formed through

756-490: The 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci advised the use of a wet woven cloth to protect against toxic agents of chemical warfare. In the early modern period, the plague-doctor costume included a beaked face-mask worn to protect the wearer from infectious " miasma ". Conventional cowboy attire in the American West often included a bandanna , which could protect the face from blown dust and also potentially doubled as

798-415: The Cuban government announced that they would ease more COVID-19 measures with Havana entering phase one of three-phase process. Residents would be permitted to travel on public or private transport, go to the beach, visit bars and restaurants, and go to recreation centers. Social distancing would remain in force and wearing face masks would continue to be mandatory. The rest of the country entered phase two on

840-526: The Cuban government initially aimed to achieve widespread vaccination solely with homegrown vaccines, it later went on to use the Sinopharm BIBP vaccine as well. Cuba has developed two vaccines that have entered phase III trials worldwide. The vaccines Soberana 02 and Abdala , are being used for a mass vaccination campaign that aims to vaccinate 1.7 million Cubans in Havana. From the beginning of

882-580: The Cuban-American groups No Embargo Cuba Movement and Puentes de Amor. Cuba had already received around 380,000 syringes and needles in June 2021, donated by Cuban residents in Argentina and other aid organisations. According to Cuba's state news agency, by November 2021 8,679,636 people in Cuba, 77.6 percent of the population, were fully vaccinated. Cloth face mask A cloth face mask

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924-461: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as surgical masks. A Vietnamese study of healthcare workers compared influenza-like illness outcome among those wearing cloth masks versus medical masks. They concluded that cloth masks were ineffective at preventing transmission in high-risk clinical settings. Although discouraged in clinical settings, cloth masks may still serve a useful role in reducing disease transmission in public settings according to

966-436: The campaign vaccine hesitancy seemed to be low, as thousands of Cubans were vaccinated voluntarily as part of clinical studies and 150,000 health care workers got vaccinated as part of an "interventional study". The US embargo against Cuba significantly slowed down the process of developing vaccines, as it restricted the medical equipment the island could import. Some Cuban research teams relied on only one spectrometer, which

1008-457: The coronavirus. As of 30 March, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases was at 170, with 4 deaths. With effect from midnight on 1 April, Cuba suspended the arrival of all international flights. On 4 April, authorities in Cuba raised the number of coronavirus patients to 288. As of 15 April, there were 755 cases of COVID-19 in Cuba, there were 18,856 total tests done so far As of 12 May, new cases had fallen to less than 20 per day, and

1050-605: The country does not produce, and vaccine doses. In July 2021, representatives of the humanitarian organisation Global Health Partners announced the successful donation of six million syringes to Cuba for their COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The donation was financed by a coalition of American organisations against the American embargo on Cuba, CODEPINK , The People’s Forum, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union , Democratic Socialists of America , and

1092-638: The first three cases in Cuba were confirmed. The patients were Italian tourists. They were kept in isolation at the Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute in Havana . The government urged citizens to make their own face masks, while the textile industry was drafted to fabricate them. People were advised to carry several cloth face masks with them, depending on how many hours they plan to spend in public areas. On 12 March,

1134-569: The first wave of the pandemic the country's population suffered only minimal losses. Regular testing, wearing of face masks , and health visits by nursing professionals kept the reported case loads and mortality rates lower than in most countries of the Americas. In mid-July 2021, Cuba experienced the first real wave of infections when the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant spread throughout the nation. Subsequently, demonstrations took place in

1176-561: The island. On 22 March, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) of Cuba raised the number of coronavirus infections on the island to 35 but were monitoring more than 950 suspected cases, according to information published by the state agency on its website. On 23 March, authorities in Cuba raised the number of coronavirus patients to 48. On 24 March, the Cuban government closed all schools until at least 20 April. Visitors who arrived between 17 and 23 March were required to be tested for

1218-423: The material and breathability. The filter quality factor known as "Q" is commonly used as an integrated filter quality indicator. It is a function of filtration efficiency and breathability, with higher values indicating better performance. Experts recommend Q-factor of three or higher. A peer-reviewed summary of the filtration properties of cloth and cloth masks concluded that, pending further research, evidence

1260-574: The oldest populations in the Americas and one quarter of the population is considered at-risk. Additionally, Cuba's economy is suffering due to the global decrease in tourism amid the pandemic. As a consequence, the government began increasing centralization of the economy in an effort to prevent a deeper economic crisis like the one experienced by the country after the end of the Cold War . Cuba's policy of " medical internationalism " has played

1302-731: The risk of transmission. The US Center for Disease Control , along with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , The Mayo Clinic , and Cleveland Clinic all concur with this recommendation. The World Health Organization also recommended that those aged over 60 years old or with underlying health risks require more protection and should wear medical masks in areas where there is community transmission. The World Health Organization recommends using masks with at least three layers of different materials. Two spunbond polypropylene layers are also believed to offer adequate filtration and breathability. When producing cloth face masks, two parameters should be considered: filtration efficiency of

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1344-429: The same date, with larger gatherings permitted and limited tourism and transportation resuming. On Saturday, August 8, Cuban authorities reimposed strict lockdown measures in Havana due to a new spike in COVID-19 cases. Under the lockdown rules, bars, restaurants, pools, and beaches would be closed, and public transport would be suspended. This was due to 59 new confirmed cases of the virus, mainly within Havana. While

1386-432: The situation, reusable cloth masks with incorporated filters can block particles nearly as well as medical-grade masks can, as long as they fit securely. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that cloth face masks should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus. It notes that wearing a cloth face mask is just one of a range of tools that can be used to reduce

1428-798: The spread of disease. Cloth masks were largely supplanted by modern surgical masks made of nonwoven fabric in the 1960s, although their use continued in developing countries. They were used in Asia during the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak , and in West Africa during the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic . Compared with bacteria recovery from unmasked volunteers, a mask made of muslin and flannel reduced bacteria recovered on agar sedimentation plates by 99%, total airborne microorganisms by 99%, and bacteria recovered from aerosols (<4 μm) by 88% to 99%. In 1975, 4 medical masks and 1 commercially produced reusable mask made of 4 layers of cotton muslin were compared. Filtration efficiency, assessed by bacterial counts,

1470-814: The time of testing, including 18% who never developed symptoms. It is important to note that mask wearers are more likely to engage in other hygiene measures such as hand washing and social distancing . Best practice is to implement multiple prevention techniques to reduce risk, as characterized by the Swiss cheese model . Compared with bacteria recovery from unmasked volunteers, a mask made of muslin and flannel reduced bacteria recovered on agar sedimentation plates by 99%, total airborne microorganisms by 99%, and bacteria recovered from aerosols (<4 μm) by 88% to 99%. In 1975, 4 medical masks and 1 commercially produced reusable mask made of 4 layers of cotton muslin were compared. Filtration efficiency, assessed by bacterial counts,

1512-480: The use of reusable cloth face masks. Most research had been performed in the early 20th century, before disposable surgical masks became prevalent. One 2010 study found that 40–90% of particles in the 20–1000 nm range penetrated a cloth mask and other fabric materials. The performance of cloth face masks varies greatly with the shape, fit, and type of fabric, as well as the fabric fineness and number of layers. As of 2006, no cloth face masks had been cleared by

1554-686: The virus. On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province , China , which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019. Cuba faces multiple domestic challenges in its response to the ongoing pandemic. Health professionals are facing challenges including shortages of medical supplies, poor sanitary conditions, and low wages. Cuba also has one of

1596-421: The wearer against viruses, they are not considered to be personal protective equipment by public health agencies. Cloth face masks were routinely used by healthcare workers starting from the late 19th century. They fell out of use in the developed world in favor of disposable surgical masks with an electret (electrically charged) filter material , but cloth masks persisted in developing countries . During

1638-399: Was 96% to 99% for the medical masks and 99% for the cloth mask; for aerosols (<3.3 μm), it was 72% to 89% and 89%, respectively. An experiment carried out in 2013 by Public Health England, that country's health-protection agency, found that a commercially made surgical mask filtered 90% of virus particles from the air coughed out by participants, a vacuum cleaner bag filtered out 86%,

1680-449: Was 96% to 99% for the medical masks and 99% for the cloth mask; for aerosols (<3.3 μm), it was 72% to 89% and 89%, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic , most countries recommended the use of cloth masks to reduce the spread of the virus. On June 5, 2020, WHO changed its advice on face masks, recommending that the general public should wear fabric masks where widespread COVID-19 transmission exists and physical distancing

1722-442: Was announced, a 61-year old Italian who had been one of the first three confirmed. On 19 March, the number of confirmed cases increased to 16. On 20 March, the number of confirmed cases increased to 21. Also, it was announced that Cuba will restrict entry to residents with effect from 24 March. Only Cuban residents may enter, that is, if they have not been outside of Cuba for more than 24 months; as well as foreigners residing on

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1764-464: Was given permission to berth in Cuba after being rejected by the Bahamas . At least five passengers have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). British citizens were able to take flights home after both governments reached an agreement on their repatriation. On 17 March, the number of confirmed cases increased to 7. On 18 March, the number of confirmed cases increased to 10, and the first death

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