Last October 12 will be a day to remember, as much as the arrival to the world and to Cuba of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. On that day, there were changes related to the life we had been living here since March 11, when the first confirmed cases of such a contagious disease appeared, and which coincided with the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

That date was news expected by the authorities of the country and its health system, so they were working since before so that what was announced at the end of the year from China would not cause havoc because they were unprepared. From now on, caution must be increased even more.

Like every country or region, we have our idiosyncrasies; we are branded as dancers, happy, to the point of laughing at problems; we are clean, we have demonstrated it to satiety, and we invent even the impossible to maintain that good habit; something very nice just the same, but that in these times what does not classify, it is our "affection".

It's hard not to kiss those we love, or shake hands with friends, and even to dispense with a hug. It is difficult to meet with loved ones and to stay at a distance, to avoid visits to the homes of those we love, and even more difficult to leave aside that gesture of solidarity of visiting the sick in hospitals, where sometimes it is not known if a meeting is taking place around the patient, even though the patient will have a companion if needed.

Cubans go to the doctor more than anyone else in this world and that must also be measured, going to the care units only when strictly necessary.

All the behaviors mentioned have been "viral", to express it in cyberspace codes; however, each person can become his own doctor, think, discern. If the authorities say that open spaces are the best for walking and exercising, do not go to the gyms; if they open the recreational centers with the hygienic-sanitary measures foreseen and you know that if you drink you lose control and do not take care of yourself, don´t go, enjoy yourself at home and with few guests.

From now on, people who have been contacts of those suspected or confirmed to suffer from the disease will be admitted to their homes, always under clinical epidemiological surveillance, with the exception of those who do not have adequate conditions at home or who present social difficulties. These will have due protection because five centers with 70 beds will be guaranteed in the province for such cases, and those who suffer from chronic decompensated diseases will remain in hospital institutions. Those who are isolated in their homes, do not visit them, find out about their health by other means, such as telephone communications.

The queues at the stores and markets will continue, you have to look for food and items required to live. If you wear your mask properly, do not stick to others and do not talk even with strangers - something very Cuban - you will be protected, you will benefit your family and your community.

Services at non-pandemic care facilities are being restored. Staff in the sector have been trained and have means of protection. Those on duty, the stretcher bearer, the janitor, all of them, have to comply with the rules to protect themselves and the sick; among these, not to walk from one place to another, to stay in their area so that the possibilities of contagion and transmission are less.

This does not mean that the health system washes its hands like Poncio Pilatos and everything is left in the air.  It is reassuring that if a setback were to occur and new patients were diagnosed, the authorities would foresee every step to be taken and the appropriate measures to be taken. And although it is known that we put health at the mercy of doctors and nurses, that one is not reasonable behavior. It is a matter of everyone being responsible for themselves and also protecting our health professionals who have given their all in Cuba and in other parts of the world.

Some fear the reopening of the airports and the entry and exit of Cubans or foreigners. There are codes that they will comply with upon their arrival, from the PCR to the collaboration of the places where they decide to stay and in the houses of the permanent residents, along with the responsibility of each Health area and family doctor's offices.

The completion of the Molecular Biology Laboratory in Camagüey is expected by October 31st. Its startup will not only relieve the work in other parts of the country, but will also result in faster results, savings in the transportation of samples taken, and capacity for other research in the future.

I could relate each one of the measures adopted by the Provincial Health Directorate for this period that has been called new normality, when productive and service activities are reestablished, epidemiological surveillance and control of hygienic-sanitary measures are strengthened.

But, in my opinion, this new normality consists of protecting oneself to live, and with quality of life. From now on, and until the vaccine so desired by all is ready, we have to live differently, that is the matter. Without going so far as to terror, let's bear in mind something I heard from an expert on the subject at the national level: "Anywhere can be a red-light district", because an asymptomatic person next to you, if the rules of protection are violated, will spread it, even if it is without meaning to. More than 46% of the confirmed cases in Cuba did not present symptoms at the moment of diagnosis.

Translated by Mariam Heredia (Student)

Reviewed by Linet Acuña Quilez