Cuba has closed its borders to all tourists and Bahamian tourists on the island are encouraged to leave, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement yesterday explaining that on March 20, Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced the country’s counter measures against the spread of the coronavirus, which has now infected 35 people in Cuba with dozens more in quarantine.

The statement added that as of March 24 no tourists will be allowed to enter Cuba and those who hold tourist status must leave on or before this date.

Only persons with a residence status will be allowed to enter the country and Cuban nationals will not be permitted to leave.

The statement noted that there may be penalties for those who do not comply with these measures.

Bahamians with family members or friends in Cuba are encouraged to contact the Embassy of The Bahamas in Havana for new daily information that will be available for them.

In response to these measures, Bahamasair officially announced that effective March 24 all flights scheduled into Havana, Cuba are suspended until further notice.

The national flag carrier is reminding its customers that if anyone has purchased tickets to fly into Havana after this date, the purchase can still be used for future travels and change fees will be waived through to May 31, 2020.

In addition to flights to Havana, Cuba being canceled, Bahamasair has also canceled flight to Miami, West Palm Beach and Haiti until further notice.

Bahamasair has implemented a daily routine of thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing its aircrafts, with special emphasis on objects that passengers touch frequently.