Cuban capital to ease lockdown, joins rest of the country

Cuban capital to ease lockdown, joins rest of the country

The capital’s 2.2 million residents will once more be able to move around on public and private transport, go to the beach and other recreation centres and enjoy a seaside drive just in time for the summer break.

They can also dine and have a drink, although social distancing and wearing masks remain mandatory. Optional medical and other services will also resume.

Only a handful of COVID-19 cases were reported in Cuba last month, all but a few in Havana. Most of the Caribbean island, home to 11.2 million inhabitants, has been free of the disease for more than a month.

Each phase of the reopening allows capacity at venues to increase from an initial 50 percent. Interprovincial transportation begins during phase two, while phase three includes schools reopening.

On Wednesday the country opened a group of isolated resort keys to international tourism. Phase three broadens international travel depending on risk.