Cuba steps us efforts to stem spread of virus

Cuba is taking broad measures to deal with an increasing case load from the new coronavirus, including deploying medical students to survey people at their homes.

Health officials are also dispensing a homoeopathic medicine, which they say bolsters people's immune system, and which they say has shown positive results from other outbreaks like dengue, cholera and the common flu.

Dr Francisco Durán, director of epidemiology at Cuban Health Ministry, said the homoeopathic formula will not stop infection, but it can provide "better protection" against the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus.As of Monday Cuba had confirmed 350 cases and nine deaths related to the virus, up from single-digit numbers three weeks ago.

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 death.

(Image Credit: AP)