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Photo from Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini: a police officer organizes a line of people waiting to buy food amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease in Havana, Cuba. September 1, 2020.
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We took the past two weeks off from this newsletter while we spent time incubating ideas for upcoming projects (join us at carelab.org!) This week, we are back with the latest updates from Cuba on the coronavirus crisis as well as exciting equity-focused projects. While the former bring worrisome reminders that even Cuba has a long road forward to eradication of the virus, we hope that the latter will bring hope and inspiration for action!
Take Care – Sarah, Justine, Mariakarla
Cuba and COVID-19
Numbers: Last night MINSAP confirmed 71 new cases of COVID (most of them in Havana and Ciego de Avila provinces) and two deaths. The 7-day average of new daily cases is now 58.7; up from the 40.57 we reported two weeks ago. While a majority of confirmed cases are coming from known contact with another infected person, a smaller number of new cases without known source of infection continue to be identified.
Containment: Havana remains in phase 0 of recovery as cases spike, and is currently subject to the most restrictive measures imposed by officials since the beginning of the pandemic. Children and the elderly are asked to remain at home, a 7:00pm curfew has been set for all adults, public transportation has been suspended, restrictions on transit between municipalities are in effect, and residents are limited to shopping only at local stores – making daily food provisioning very complicated for many Cubans. These measures, originally set to last 15 days, have now been extended until the end of the month. Other provinces are also enforcing more restrictive measures after registering new outbreaks: the city of Cienfuegos has closed its borders, Ciego de Avila has returned to phase one of recovery, and Matanzas has suspended public activities.
Schools: Amid the second wave of infections, students throughout the country (with the exception of Havana and a few other localities) returned to classes on September 1st. This year’s first day back to school included a new set of rules and measures: morning salute to the flag is suspended, masks are mandatory at all times, health professionals take children’s temperatures before they enter the building, random rapid-diagnostic tests are conducted, children are divided into smaller groups for recess and lunch, and middle and high schoolers are only attending classes every other day.
Research: A new study conducted by Cuban researchers has revealed cardiovascular problems in children infected with COVID-19.
Equity Updates: Women, Antiracism, Literacy and Music
Feminist Economist Teresa Lara Junco has been collaborating with our team on a forthcoming follow-up to CDA’s 2013 report: Women's Work: Gender Equality in Cuba and the Role of Women Building Cuba’s Future. She has analyzed the tremendous advances in women’s rights that Cuba has made since the 1950s, as well as the ongoing need to ensure that all women also have equal opportunity. For Teresa, much of the future work will be about creating equity at home: “There are two essential lines of analysis in the discussion of gender equity: the public and private spheres. In general, the dilemma of the incorporation of women into the public sphere has been more easily resolved than that of the entry of men into the private sphere.” As we continue to develop our report on women in Cuba, we are inviting YOU to write to platform@cubaplatform.org and let us know: what would you like to know about Cuban women’s strategies and challenges for achieving gender equity?
El Club de Espendrú, a collective of individuals, artists and activists launched #LunesdelClub (Mondays with the Club) this week as part of their Aula de Saberes (Classroom of Knowledge) initiative, which works to recognize and celebrate black history and knowledge, and build greater awareness around AfroCubans' roles in Cuba's struggle for independence and national culture. While meeting in person is not possible, participants are invited to join the Club’s Telegram channel where, every Monday, you will receive a new book in your #bibliotecaantiracista (anti-racist library) and have the chance to read and discuss personal reflections and experiences from members of the club. Entries can also be found on the Club’s blog.
Silvio y el Poder de la Palabra is the latest documentary produced by our friend and colleague Catherine Murphy. Since making the film Maestra, Catherine - together with women who participated in the literacy campaign as young girls - have worked to educate global audiences about the Cuban Literacy Movement, a critical case study in national projects for solidarity, equity, and empathy. Her new short film celebrates beloved Cuban musician Silvio Rodriguez and his own experience in the literacy campaign. This Sunday, we invite you all to the live debut screening of the film. Details here.
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Our latest micro documentary on Cuban visionaries is about food, farming, environment and love. Contact justine@cubaplatform.org for more information.
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About this newsletter: The Caring in Crisis newsletter began March 20 and goes out in both English and Spanish every Friday (please alert us if you wish to switch language subscriptions). You can always return to past issues here. Please drop us a note anytime to let us know what you’d like to see more of and to share updates related to crisis-response, creativity and resilience from your corner of the world. We would love to hear from you.
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