Crowds line the markets of Cuba in the midst of a pandemic

The Cuban government closed its borders to tourism and banned large gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But social distancing measures are practically impossible for the many who are forced to stand in line for hours to get food, medicine and other basic supplies. Stifling US sanctions, its dependence on exports, and a lack of tourism dollars led the country into a recession, and many Cubans wonder how they will get their next meal. Health experts warn that the effects on the island's population could be extreme if a stricter quarantine and social distance are not applied.