15 Dec 2020 | 02:13 PM UTC
Cuba: Authorities maintain stricter COVID-19-related measures in some areas as of mid-December /update 14
Cuban authorities are maintaining stricter COVID-19-related measures in some areas as of mid-December, especially in Pinar del Rio Province.
Event
As of mid-December, Cuban authorities are continuing to enforce stricter business and movement restrictions in provinces with higher coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission rates, while still applying the "New Normal" phase of recovery across most of the country. Santi Spiritus Province has mostly advanced to the New Normal phase, while Havana and Ciego de Avila remain in Phase 3 of the country's recovery plan (one step behind the New Normal), and Pinar del Rio has begun its recovery from the so-called phase of limited autochthonous transmission (pre-recovery phase).
Under the New Normal phase, international travel has resumed, including at Jose Marte International Airport (HAV) in Havana, and all commercial activity may continue without limits. The following requirements remain in place in the "New Normal" areas:
All travelers must declare their health status and will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival. Travelers may await their test results at their hotels or homes, under health surveillance measures. Persons who test positive will be subject to additional health and quarantine protocols.
Returning residents and travelers staying in local communities must take a second PCR test on day five. This does not apply to tourists staying in hotels.
All passengers arriving after Dec. 1 must pay a sanitary/health tax included in the flight ticket cost, to cover the costs of sanitization and COVID-19 testing.
Individuals are required to wear a facemask in all enclosed public spaces and must continue to adhere to sanitization and physical distancing requirements.
Persons displaying disease symptoms are not permitted to enter work centers, education institutions, or other public places.
Recreational and entertainment establishments, such as bars and nightclubs, will be subject to additional health protocols.
Localized Enhanced Measures
Under the strictest of the levels, which is the limited autochthonous transmission phase, heightened restrictions are placed on nonessential commercial activity and public transport. Following this phase, commercial and recreational activities may resume in a phased approach under Phase 1 and 2 of recovery. Stricter capacity limits and rules around operating hours are enforced under Phase 1. Under Phase 2, authorities may lift restrictions on inter-municipal passenger transport and further ease restrictions on the tourism sector. Generally, under Phase 3, all economic and productive activities may continue, and interprovincial travel may resume.
As of Dec. 15, municipalities and provinces still under the phase of limited autochthonous transmission or one of the three recovery phases are:
Ciego de Avila: All areas are in Phase 3 of recovery.
Havana: All areas are in Phase 3 of recovery.
Pinar del Rio: Pinar del Rio, Sandino and Guane municipalities remain in the phase of limited autochthonous transmission; Consolacion del Sur is in Phase 1; Mantua in Phase 2, and the rest of the province is in Phase 3 of recovery.
Sancti Spiritus: Cabaiguan is in Phase 3; however, the rest of the province has entered the New Normal phase.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Officials could also impose highly targeted quarantine measures in localized communities where the threat of transmission is assessed to be higher, even within provinces under the New Normal phase.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
