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Anidelys Rodríguez Brito

Anidelys Rodríguez Brito

Photo: EFE.

How many people are at risk in Cuba from COVID-19?

The risk factors in the face of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic vary according to the sociodemographic and economic conditions in each context. Until April 6, the average age of those who have died due to the COVID-19 in Cuba was 67.2 years. According to the information provided by the health authorities, more than half of them had a history of hypertension, diabetes, pneumonia or other risk factors. That same day, 15 people were reported in a critical or serious condition, whose average age was 64.5 years, and 10 of them had similar previous conditions, especially high blood pressure. The high percentage of older adults (population 60 years or older) constitutes one of the most important risk factors in the face of the COVID-19. However, the prevalence of chronic diseases, family composition and home conditions are other variables to be addressed by both public and health institutions and citizens. In Cuba, more than 2 million people are over 60 years old, which represents 20.4% of the population. Among them, more than 50% suffer from at least high blood pressure. As can be seen in the table that follows, the age and prevalence of non-transmittable diseases places almost 1,300,000 older adults in a...