Mandatory masks prompt makeshift industry in Cuba

Cuban authorities are requiring the use of facemasks for anyone leaving their homes, threatening fines of up to 70 US dollars for those caught without a face covering.

In a country where scarcity is the norm and inventive solutions often follow, locals are using a creative variety of materials to help them abide by the rules.

On a quiet street in colonial Havana, 69-year old Andres Jimenez patiently sows strips of cloth into face masks for his neighbours and friends.

He says he has made dozens, using his Russian manual sowing machine, painstakingly stitching together cloth face coverings, which he hands out to anyone who brings him material.

On nearby streets, most people wearing masks are using cloth bandanas, flags and even towels to cover their faces as they hustle to buy food or run errands.

The mandatory mask policy has fostered a small industry of tailors who make masks from almost any material, including women's bras, which 63-year old Idania Espanola insists are the best for a layered protection.

Cuba's Health Ministry reported 186 confirmed cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, with eight deaths.

Thousands of others are being monitored for symptoms, many in quarantine either in their homes or state facilities.

The island remains under lockdown, with most international travel strictly curtailed or cancelled altogether until late April, when authorities hope to resume operations.

Local travel between provinces is also prohibited, only food delivery and other essential services are allowed, essentially freezing all movement on the island until authorities are satisfied the spread of the virus is contained.

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