HeMinistry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) clarified this weekend the health protocol in the country for international travelers.
The head of the Department of International Health Control of the MINSAP pointed out that travelers arriving in Cuba, regardless of the country of origin and status of their vaccination, do not have to present a negative test for COVID-19 or a certificate of vaccination against that disease.
"Travelers from Angola, Brazil or any other area or country with transmission of Yellow Fever must present the International Certificate of Vaccination against this disease when requested by the health authority (International Health Control)," the MINSAP points out in aofficial announcement.
The Cuban government reports on this protocol at a time when its institutions are going through a deep health crisis, with shortages of supplies of all kinds and even professionals.
It will not perform any tests on international travelers related to COVID-19 or other diseases under surveillance.
"Only those travelers who, at the time of arrival in Cuba, present or are detected with respiratory symptoms will be given a rapid test for COVID-19 or a sample taken for PCR," said the Cuban authorities.
However, the Cuban health protocol does include a group of recommendations for international travelers. They would be the following:
- Wear a mask inside aircraft and inside Air Terminals, especially in places with crowds of people, such as on public transportation.
- Use the hand disinfection stations installed at the Entry Points, either during arrival in Cuba or departure from the country.
- Be informed of the health requirements established by the countries to which you intend to travel.
Cuban travelers residing in Cuba, non-resident Cubans and foreigners residing in the country must present themselves to their family doctor within the first 24 hours of arrival on the island.
If you do not have a family doctor in your community, you should go to the vice directorate of epidemiology of the health area or polyclinic where you reside.
During these visits, they are obliged to report their status as an international traveler, provide the most exact information if they suffered from any illness during their trip abroad and if they feel any signs or symptoms of illness.
The family doctor and nurse will offer instructions in accordance with the epidemiological risk represented by the country or area that the traveler has visited abroad.
"You must be alert to any manifestation of communicable disease at least up to 90 days after your return to the country and if you see any sign or symptom of illness, immediately go to your family doctor," warns the MINSAP statement.
The state agency considers that every traveler who leaves Cuba is exposed to contracting diseases that are not present on the island, or are controlled in Cuba or exist but in a different epidemiological and climatological context.
"If you get sick during your stay abroad or upon returning to Cuba, you could put the health of your family and your community at risk," they warn.
The government assures that for these reasons there are some aspects to take into account before traveling. They ask Cubans to inform themselves about the main health, climate or other problems that may exist in the country or area they will visit.
They recommend avoiding the trip if the person is unbalanced in any way.chronic non-communicable disease that suffers. And if you go ahead with the idea, the traveler must undergo the necessary treatment that covers the entire period of their stay in the other country.
The MINSAP recommends that Cubans before traveling should "carry out any pending medical procedure that prevents decompensation during their visit or that guarantees their good state of health."
In the country they are visiting, Cubans must comply with "the hygienic, sanitary and prophylaxis measures imposed by the different governments"; do not eat foods of unknown origin; do not drink water that is not of certified quality; Protect yourself from insects and vectors that can transmit diseases.
Furthermore, Cuban travelers should "refrain from visiting areas where unknown diseases are transmitted in our country or others subject to International Health Control such as malaria, yellow fever, cholera, Ebola, among others."
The MINSAP asks Cuban travelers returning to the island to be alert to any manifestation of communicable disease at least until 90 days after their return to the country.
"If you have any sign or symptom of illness, immediately go to your family doctor or an institution of the National Health System, always emphasizing your status as an international traveler," the state agency requests.
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