Havana, April 21 (RHC)-- Cuba today has the necessary resources to face COVID-19, even in the worst case scenario, despite the United States blockade, stated Dr. Francisco Durán of the Ministry of Public Health.

During his daily press briefing held Tuesday morning, the National Director of Epidemiology insisted that the island has the availability of artificial ventilators for the current stage and other more difficult stages, which generate a greater number of infected cases.

Durán explained that efforts are ongoing to acquire these much-needed equipment in intensive care rooms, although "some are fruitful and others not because of the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States.  But we are preparing for the worst moment, the so-called curve or peak that researchers foresee."

Dr. Duran said that the Cuban scientific community works in the national production of this equipment and does not rest on its acquisition abroad, something that is difficult because sometimes after contracting with a company, it refuses to deliver because it was purchased from a U.S. company.

The epidemiology specialist noted that this situation is the same with the rest of medical supplies, reagents, protective equipment, rapid tests and PCR tests, which are very necessary.

But, he affirmed, thanks to the efforts of international organizations, we have sufficient quantities for our professionals and technicians to protect themselves and to carry out the required studies with the available resources, including national production of some equipment.