It is called the Republic of the bananas because although it has numerous natural resources, 65% of the active populace is used in the monoculture of the banana trees.
The President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, announced on Friday 20 March in a televised appearance the government’s decision to regulate entry to the country, allowing access only to Cubans abroad and foreign residents in third countries.
The Government’s measures against COVID-19 are aimed at safeguarding the health of the Cuban people and are aimed at intensifying control of the epidemiological situation and mitigating the economic impact on the population.
Manuel Marrero, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba, said that the foreigners who are currently visiting the island -approximately 60 thousand- will return to their countries and that around 13 thousand leave daily. In this regard, all guarantees and facilities will be given to airlines and tour operators to ensure that passengers leave safely and in an organized manner.
He pointed out that this measure is established for 30 days according to similar actions that have been established by other governments in the face of the danger of the pandemic and to avoid, with this period of 72 hours, great inconvenience to the tourists who are in Cuba or expected to come in the next few days.
Another measure announced by the Prime Minister is that tourists will not be able to arrive in Cuba for 30 days from Tuesday, in order to protect the population from the threat of the coronavirus.
At the hearing of Díaz Canel and Marrero, together with ministers and vice presidents of the government in the Roundtable radio and television space, it was clarified that the measure does not mean the closing of borders, Cubans and residents will be able to enter the archipelago at all times and commercial activity will be maintained..
It means that the economic activity will continue with the arrival of ships or airplanes and that the crews of both types of transport, in case of the ships the staff will remain inside the boat and if they decide to get off they must be subjected to epidemiological surveillance.
For their part, the aircraft crews, he said, will not have freedom of movement, will be located in a space chosen for this purpose and will be assured of medical care.
Marrero Cruz stressed that Cuban airspace will remain open and airports will retain a level of operation, for example, when receiving aid from abroad or a Cuban medical brigade that leaves for other nations.
These measures have been taken, said the Prime Minister, in strict compliance with international standards and have been communicated to institutions such as the International Air Transport Association, and International Maritime Organizations, Labour International, World Tourism Organization and the World Health Organization.
Marrero clarified that workers in the tourism sector who will be available will have a wage guarantee.
It is called the Republic of the bananas because although it has numerous natural resources, 65% of the active populace is used in the monoculture of the banana trees.
