Cuba to Welcome Back International Travelers
Crafts vendors are returning to the streets, transport between provinces is gradually regular, and crowds once again line the seafront Malecon boulevard as night falls over the Cuban capital.
The usual bustle of the Caribbean nation is gradually rebounding after 20 months of pandemic restrictions. The critical moment is set to occur on November 15, with the start of the complete opening of airports, gateways to a tourism industry that feeds thousands of families.
A significant decrease in infections and mortality caused by the virus has followed an inoculation campaign with three locally developed vaccines—Soberana 02, Soberana Plus, and Abdala—even if some fear the reopening could bring a resurgence of COVID-19.
“Thank God we have a job again,” said Manuel Santos, a 58-year-old taxi driver. He is awaiting the arrival of tourists after surviving for months delivering packages rather than visitors in his mid-50s Chevrolet convertible. “Let’s see if everything continues like this and this country can move ahead.”
So far, Cuba has registered 956,452 infections of the new coronavirus and 8,265 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The vaccination campaign, covering everyone age two and up, has given all three scheduled doses to 7.3 million people on this island of 11 million people.
What authorities call the “new normal” will retain safeguards: Face masks, and cleansing gel will be mandatory. There may be no quarantine, but all travellers will have to have completed vaccination or a negative PCR test. (Additionally, information about Cuba’s COVID-related travel restrictions can be found via the U.S Embassy in Cuba
Cuba’s gross domestic product fell by 11 per cent in 2020. that meant long lines, shortages, blackouts, a black market, and unemployment for the population. The problems were exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and by the socialist government’s financial reorganization, including the elimination of a dual currency system.
Authorities have recognized that inflation is a problem. While the U.S. dollar officially is priced at 24 Cuban pesos, it goes for 70 pesos on the street—the only place where you can get a dollar because the government does not sell them.
Opposition groups have called for a protest march on November 15, but the authorities denied permission. Instead, the government has scheduled several events to commemorate the 502nd anniversary of the city’s founding.
In recent weeks, social isolation measures have been eased in almost every sector. Children are back in classrooms, theatres and cinemas have reopened, and the famous Tropicana cabaret will return to the stage. Stores have fewer restrictions, and more government offices are open.
Officials dropped a ban on congregating on the Malecon seawall to enjoy the ocean view. A nighttime curfew in the capital was lifted. Interprovincial trains and buses began to schedule departures.
“After two years, I will reunite with my mother, my neighbours, my town, my province. I am very happy,” said Bárbara García, 63, a native of Ciego de Ávila, as she waited in the Havana bus terminal.
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