Regional carrier Caribbean Airlines has suspended all commercial flights into Havana, Cuba, with immediate effect until further notice.

Caribbean Airlines, in a statement on Tuesday (January 5), explained the decision comes amid new correspondence from the Instituto de Aeronáutica Civil de Cuba (IACC) on the island’s latest anti-coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols and restrictions concerning incoming commercial flights.

“Persons with bookings to Cuba are asked to contact the airline’s Reservations Sales and Services Centre,” the statement noted, as Caribbean Airlines apologised for the inconvenience caused.

The company, while asking for customers’ understanding, did not give a timeline as to when flights would resume.

Effective Sunday, January 10, all foreign visitors to Cuba will be required to have a certificate of a negative PCR test, that must be taken no longer than 72 hours before travel.

The certificate must be issued in two languages ​​- the language of the country of origin and English.

Upon arrival, tourists will have to take a second test. The result of which will be ready in a day. Until the results of the second test are ready, the visitors will need to quarantine at the hotel.

Also, tourists must have medical insurance with coverage for treatment for COVID-19, the country also provides that option for visitors to pay for Cuban medical coverage for US$30.

Cuba’s coronavirus infections soar

The COVID-19 situation has taken a precipitous turn for the worst in Cuba as the country sees a distressing spike in cases.

As of Tuesday morning, the island confirmed 224 new coronavirus cases, which brings the national tally to 12,964. Of that number, 1,761 of which are active.

The Spanish-speaking country has eight COVID-19 patients hospitalised in critical condition, while another 14 have been categorised as severely ill.

Cuba has, however, recorded 11,036 recoveries to date, with 147 patients dying from coronavirus-related complications.