b'HALF MY HEART IS INOn March 15, 2020 I had a video chateverything,fromdiseasebehaviourto withmymomandsistersinCanada,immediatehospitalizationofthosein sharing our continued love for Havanacontact with positive cases, as well as and plans for thethree months ofthelocationofspecializedcentresfornal ourCubanadventure.Thecoronavirusisolation for those suspected of COVID stillseemedadistantconcern.Threetospendthequarantineperiod.The days later, my husband, Rory, and I wereCubangovernmentsresponsewasswift, scrambling to gather all required vet papersclearly communicated and decisive.forourbelovedlabandsecuringseatsonanAnasharedthatstudentsfromfacultiesof airline that would take pets. On March 21, we headedmedical science make daily inquiries to know the state to the airport in Varadero.The departure area waslledof health of the population. Rory and I were accustomed with eerily quiet patrons, and tension that was palpableto this door-to-door practice of informing and surveying as people waited to be taken home.In contrast was thethe population as it was not uncommon for white-coated string of incomingwith tourists determined tomedical personnel to come to our front door, clipboards inights have their vacation. At 4:30 p.m. we took ofrom Cubahand, to inquire about our health and to inform us about to Canada to face the pandemic closer to family. dengue,amosquito-borneillness.Inacountrywhere This was not the plan we had envisioned for ournalinternet connectivity is limited and costly by Cuban stand-stretch in Cuba.But as I sit in the safe isolation of myards, this face-to-face system is often used.backyard, I think about my dear Cuban friends and howThe early detection and containment strategies that they are coping during this world health crisis.At thethe population put in place seem to have paid o . As of best of times, Cubans deal with food and water shortagesJuly 7, there were 2,395 cases, 86 deaths, and 2,240 recov-as well as power outages. How would Cuba manage asered. The country is in Phase 1, so masks continue to be U.S. sanctions continued? With the tourist industry atmandatory in public places, and social distancing of 1.5 a stand-still, how would Cubans cope with their mainmetres is expected. Public transportation in Havana was source of revenue cut o ?Three of our Cuban friendsrenewed recently, which is such good news, as the major-have been keeping us up-to-date on conditions duringPlease turn to page 22the pandemic: my Spanish teacher, Ana Margarita, my teaching colleague, Katia, and our taxi driver, Alex.When I asked Ana Margarita about the governments response to the pandemic, she told me that the state tookrst the reins from themoment and has been aware of Accepting new clients. Consultations will be held via video conferencing.Special room for no contact signing documentation.Covid protocols in place such as increased sanitation, PPE, etc.Marg, Rory and Braxton, patiently awaiting for their returnight250 Shanly Street|Port Perry|905-982-2650|mcmurtrylaw.cafrom Varadero.FOCUS - AUGUST 202021'