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Cuba Eases COVID-19 Restrictions in Hopes of Boosting Economy

VOA News

   Cuba is easing coronavirus restrictionsin an effort tojumpstart the
   economy by reopening retail businesses, government offices and resuming
   airports operations across the island except in the capital, Havana,
   where an outbreak occurred in August.

   The popular beach resort town ofVaraderowill begin welcoming
   internationalvisitorsThursday.

   All tourists arriving in Cuba are required to undergo mandatory
   testingandtheir hygiene practices will be monitored during their visit.

   EveryoneinCuba is required to wear face masks and maintain asafe
   distance from one another.

   The pandemic has reportedly chokedthelifeblood of Cuba, the island's $3
   billion tourism industry, which has suffered since March when the first
   coronavirus cases were reported.

   TheAssociated Pressreportsthepandemichas mostly
   beencontrolledacrossCuba,withPresident MiguelDÃaz-Canelsaying some
   communities have notloggedany new cases in several months.

   The island nation has reported 6,000 COVID-19 cases and 123 deaths,
   according to Johns Hopkins University.

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