by Yosley Carrero
HAVANA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- New restrictions were introduced in Havana as Cuba on Sunday reported 388 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day count since the onset of the pandemic on the island in March.
The measures were imposed over the weekend in response to surging cases following a holiday season when thousands of overseas Cuban nationals traveled to the island to celebrate New Year's Eve with families and friends.
Local media reported that the fundamental causes of the outbreak are parties and breaches of social distancing rules in private and public areas.
The provincial government in Havana has suspended the public transportation service from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and closed bars and nightclubs to avoid non-essential movements.
Though a night-time curfew has not been imposed, social gatherings at parks, squares and public areas during night hours have been banned from 7 p.m.
Ana Diaz, a 70-year-old retired teacher living in central Havana, told Xinhua she strongly supports steps taken by local authorities to address the health emergency.
"I think it is necessary to contain the spread of the deadly disease. People should stay at home as much as possible," she said while lining up for vegetables at a produce market.
While movies, theaters and cultural venues were shut until further notice, the Cuban National Ballet canceled performances scheduled for the coming days.
"I had already bought a ticket for the ballet but the virus ruined my plans," said Yasser Fernandez, a 22-year-old university student. "Life has become boring due to the pandemic."
In addition, as new measures stay in place, private parties will not be permitted, and those found in violation of saftey protocols could face fines, local authorities said.
To minimize the risk of COVID-19 contagion, swimming pools and gyms were closed, although outdoor areas for sports remain open.
Meanwhile, national transportation system connecting Havana and the rest of the country will be out of operation as of Wednesday.
Health authorities said non-urgent hospital services in the country's capital will be reduced by 50 percent if the current epidemiological situation persists.
Francisco Duran, national director of epidemiology at the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, urged people to reinforce COVID-19 protocols and disinfecting procedures at home and workplaces.
"The epidemiological situation is complex," he said on TV. "It is important that people increase their risk perception of this disease and individual responsibility."
Havana's Jose Marti International Airport have been receiving regular commercial flights since Nov. 15 after seven-months of closure.
Foreign tourists were requested to have negative PCR test results from certified health institutions starting Jan. 10 upon arriving at the airport.
Meanwhile, hotel facilities continue operating at 60 percent capacity and schools, stores and banks remain open.
As of Sunday, Cuba has reported 14,576 cases with 151 deaths.
The capital city, the epicenter of the epidemic on the island, has registered the majority of the cases over the past few weeks.
"Now, we have to work hard to get through this difficult situation," said Eduardo Benitez, a private sector employee. "If we all do our part, we will make it." Enditem
