Cuba condemns US embargo during coronavirus pandemic

Cuban health authorities on Friday criticised the US trade embargo amid the coronavirus pandemic.Authorities described the policy as a cruel punishment for Cubans grappling to contain the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The Cuban government said an aid shipment from Asia was blocked recently after Avianca, the Colombian Airline, declined to ship medical supplies donated by 'Jack Ma Foundation' to the island.

The aid shipment included face masks, gloves, other protective gear and medicines, which officials on the island say are desperately needed due to shortages, as the virus spreads.

The US trade embargo is supposed to exempt medical goods and foodstuffs, but in practice, it limits such supplies from reaching the island due to the restrictions and sanctions over companies that do business with Cuba.

Currently, Cuba has 567 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 15 deaths attributed to the disease, and more than 1,000 under observation and suspected of having the virus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

(Image Credit: AP)