Flights to Cuba Suspended To Control the Spread of COVID-19
Caribbean Airlines has suspended its commercial service to Havana until further notice due to COVID protocols.
“This follows correspondence from the Institute of Civil Aeronautics of Cuba (IACC) advising on the latest protocols in the country and restrictions on inbound commercial flights to combat COVID-19,” the airline said in its statement.
Cuba largely controlled the pandemic through a home-to-home health program and mandatory quarantines. For months it closed its commercial flights, and social and economic life was paralyzed, but in November a gradual reopening began. As of early December, 9,181 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed, including 136 deaths.
However, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba reported an additional 316 coronavirus cases on Monday, a new record number in the country, according to elperiodicocubano.com. “With these cases reported on Monday, the island raises its cumulative total to 12,740 contagions since the start of the pandemic last March.”
Cuba’s government announced it would decrease the number of incoming travelers starting Jan. 1 to reduce the spread of the virus. And starting Jan. 10, travelers must show proof of a negative COVID test upon entering the country, according to CubaTravelServices.com.
In addition, citizens and residents must quarantine for seven to 14 days after they return to Cuba.
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