Lombardy is right now the epicenter of the scourge of COVID-19 in Italy and what happens in this region is particularly relevant for Las Tunas, since for more than two decades it has maintained a twinning with that region to the north of the European nation.52 Cuban doctors have just already arrived there, which was warmly received by its inhabitants.

"The situation is very difficult, we work hard and we hope to save as many lives as possible," said Laura Tonon. She works as a nurse in a hospital in Lodi, the capital of the province of the same name within the region. At the moment, Tonon at home after appendicitis temporarily took her out of her long shifts. "Thanks to Cuba for the contribution of the doctors," she said.

Her colleague Patrizia Grimoldi works at a Brugherio health institution, whose usual peaceful environment took on a tragic face from the scouring of the COVID-19. However, Patrizia's mood is another. "The situation is always difficult and does not seem to diminish. The fight will continue a little longer. But we do our best!"

Italian authorities announced on March 21 that the death toll from the new coronavirus in Lombardy was already over 3,000. In fact, this area has the highest number of fatalities in the world, with the exception of China.

"The main problem is personnel," Giulio Gallera, regional health adviser, told the press, referring to the strategy to contain the pandemic.

Hence, the arrival on March 22 of the doctors from the Greater of the Antilles elicited an immediate positive reaction.

"I am rarely moved, but when I saw this video of Cuban doctors who came to Italy to help us through this difficult time, I couldn't contain the emotion. The pure solidarity of a people that for more than 50 years has been economically attacked and massacred by the United States with which we are allies. This is a great history lesson. Eternal glory and glory to this country! Long live Cuba! Thanks, sisters and brothers WE WILL WIN!” wrote Manuel Vulcano, from Magenta, a commune on the outskirts of Milan.

“Applause is the minimum for the generosity of this great little Island and for the courage of these people. When all this is over, I look forward to a national mobilization to demand the removal of the criminal blockade (against Cuba),” said Gianni Fossatti, head of the Circle of the Italy-Cuba National Friendship Association in Milan.

"Solidarity and internationalism are the only solutions," Franco Tonon, secretary of the Lodi Circle of the aforementioned Association, wrote from Lodi in a letter of thanks for the arrival in Lombardy of 52 Cuban doctors, who will fight there against COVID-19. The Cuban brigade, he added, will be in Crema, very close to Lodi. "We will not be able to physically greet them because we cannot leave the house. But with the thought, all the colleagues from the Lodi Circle will be there to welcome them with gratitude and an immense hug,” he said.

FULL TEXT OF THE FRANCO TONON’S MESSAGE

"Dear colleagues and friends of Las Tunas:

“You cannot imagine the great emotion we have when knowing the arrival of Cuban doctors and nurses who come to Italy today to help our country in serious difficulties after the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is a great example of brotherhood, solidarity and friendship that the Cuban people are making for us.

"Despite the serious difficulties caused by the criminal blockade of the United States, in many years Cuba has supported the peoples of many nations with great generosity and today, more than ever, represents an example of what a socialist society is.

"We are in trouble today.

“This pandemic is growing more and more, causing death and much pain.

"The health system we have, greatly reduced in recent years by capitalist decisions that favor private benefit is very insufficient to understand the dramatic needs of the population.

“For this reason, the aid that comes from Cuba, China and Russia is even more important, which shows that solidarity and internationalism are the only option that the peoples of the Earth have to do.

"We are also convinced that these gestures of brotherhood and love will also be understood by many people in our country and this will be very important in the future to expand the ranks of those who for years in Italy have been fighting against the blockade, against the American military base in Guantánamo and for supporting the Cuban people.

"In a few hours, the Cuban health brigade will disembark at the airport and go to the hospital in Crema, a few kilometers near Lodi.

"We will not be able to physically greet them because we cannot leave the house.

“But with the thought, all the companions of the Lodi circle will be there to welcome them with gratitude and a huge embrace.

"Thank you, colleagues from Las Tunas,
"Thank you, our friends.
"We will not forget"

Franco Tonon and all members of the Lodi club
Italy-Cuba National Friendship Association

With regard to this message, the Delegation here of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) reaffirmed that sending doctors "is nothing more than a national commitment to the numerous signs of loyalty and solidarity of you with this little Island. We will fight tooth and nail, the challenge that life imposed on us, we will all overcome it.”