Cuba turns student dormitories into isolation centers for coronavirus cases

Idalys Lamela is one of nearly 600 patients suspected of having COVID-19 who are staying at an isolation center at the University of Computer Sciences in the Cuban capital of Havana.

The 47-year-old woman, along with her husband, daughter, and 10-year-old granddaughter, was taken to the center after a close neighbor tested positive for COVID-19.

Lamela lives in central Havana, the capital district that has been the hardest hit by the virus and which is also the most densely populated, with more than 70,000 residents.

"Although all of a sudden life changed for us, we remain optimistic about being back home soon and overcoming this nightmarish moment," she told Xinhua.

Niurka Rodriguez, 52, is a nurse working at the isolation center along with 185 other health workers. "I have to stay here 14 days. I should take care of patients and myself because my children and close relatives are waiting for me," she said.

Besides health workers, nearly 60 employees from the University of Computer Sciences are also working at the isolation center.

Dariem Garcia, 24, graduated from the University of Computer Sciences last year and now works in logistics at the isolation center as part of a "unique and touching" experience that has changed his life.

"I could be sheltering in place, but I feel this is what I have to do right now. I feel proud of being here," he told Xinhua.

While those suspected of having COVID-19 are confined to their rooms, watching TV, chatting online, or reading magazines and books, outside, the rhythm of life is somewhat different, as taxis and ambulances bring in new patients, minivans transport food or medical supplies, a garbage truck passes by, and a police cruiser patrols the restricted area.

"All 3,000 students from the university have been sent home, but a group of professors remain here supporting the government's efforts to tackle COVID-19," said Raidel Montesinos, president of the University of Computer Sciences.

Currently, half of the 600-member faculty is working in other areas where the isolation center is expected to extend in the coming weeks in order to achieve a 2,000-bed capacity.

NiurkaLegra, 41, is a senior professor at the University of Computer Sciences who is now helping with cleaning at the new student accommodation facilities that will be placed at the disposal of the isolation center.

"I have forgotten classrooms during these days, as the coronavirus is the paramount priority at the moment," she said.

Meanwhile, the first group of volunteers from the university that worked at the isolation center is staying at a small hostel 200 meters away under medical supervision.

Silvano Merced Laden, leader of the volunteer group, said more people from the community are ready to work at the isolation center. "We would do it again. We express our solidarity not only with other countries, but also with Cubans," he added.

Cuba has reported 56 deaths from the virus so far and 1,389 confirmed cases.