The Cuban government on Saturday suspended public transport and closed shopping centres in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Only the transport of “workers who provide vital services,” such as medical personnel and transporters of cargo, are to remain operational in order to treat patients and guarantee the supply of essential goods, the government said.
The supply of essential goods is already hampered under normal circumstances by U.S. embargo on the Communist-ruled island, and the coronavirus outbreak has caused even longer lines at grocery stores, local media reported.
Bars and restaurants are not permitted to serve food and beverages on site and must be completely closed after 8 p.m., according to the latest measures.
Cuban authorities have so far detected mainly imported cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
As of Friday, the Health Ministry had confirmed 564 positive cases and 15 deaths.
According to forecasts from the Health Ministry, the Cuban outbreak will not surpass 4,000 cases.
