Cuba during COVID - not as scary as you think

We are creatures of habit and one of our much loved routines is to vacation in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba twice a year - once in the Fall and once in the Winter. Of course, due to COVID we needed to rethink our plans this year. We weighed the the risks and benefits and decided we wouldn't allow fear to prevent us from one of our favourite things; we decided we were willing to make the trip and ensure we were very cautious along the way.

Two things were BIG determining factors - Cayo Guillermo is COVID free as it is an island off the mainland that workers must have a permit to access and we have the flexibility and ability to quarantine upon return and still work.

Here's how the journey went.

Upon arrival at Pearson airport we were met with sanitization, self check in, contactless bag drop and of course mandatory mask wearing. It was easy to keep a safe social distance as there were very few people in the airport compared to usual. Line ups were non-existent and staff ensured safe distancing and sanitization for everyone. After dropping our bags we were led through a clear defined path to a scanner where our temperature was taken and then we were allowed to proceed to security. At security we had to provide proof of our hotel booking - you are not allowed to visit Cuba with a hotel booking. After security we went to our gate to wait. Not many shops or restaurants are open but you can order food or beverages via tablet and pay with a card. Again, super easy to social distance because there were very few people and everyone was cautious and respectful of the rules.

Once on the plane we were surprised to see that social distancing is NOT followed and we were really diligent about hand sanitizing and mask wearing for sure. This was the only part of the trip that worried us. We were in very close contact to an entire plane of people we did not know - we had been under the impression that social distancing was required on flights as well. What could we do? On we went.

During the flight we were provided with a COVID care package and limited beverage service - no food, no alcohol. Masks were mandatory and flight staff tried to keep people from standing around waiting for the bathroom to no avail. We were required to fill out the typical Cuban VISA and customs card as well as a health check sheet. We arrived in Cayo Coco safely.

Upon arrival we were led by airport staff in full PPE to the arrival door where we were safely distanced in a line to have our temperature taken, hands sanitized and then to a room (3 people at a time) to have a free COVID test. The test consisted of nasal swabs in each nostril and a throat swab. We could then proceed to customs and security. Our baggage came off the carousel wet, having been sanitized twice and we were permitted to once again show our proof of hotel booking and leave the airport. We boarded a bus, masks mandatory, and off we went to our hotel. We stayed at the Iberostar Daiquiri as it is one of the only two hotels open on Cayo Guillermo.

When we got there we were greeted by hotel staff in full PPE with champagne and another temperature check, luggage sanitization, hand and shoe sanitization and then able to check in with front desk staff who were behind plastic barriers. We were told that we must wear our masks in all public spaces until we got our test results at our morning briefing the next day. Not everyone followed that so we made sure we kept a safe distance from everyone - after all we are the ones responsible for our health and safety, not other people.

Our room was lovely and clean. We noticed there were no blankets, only sheets on the bed so we asked for a blanket. It came sealed in plastic to ensure cleanliness which was appreciated. Dinner that night was in an a la carte restaurant where the menu was given to you verbally by staff wearing masks. The food was great, we never go hungry in Cuba. Hand sanitizing stations were EVERYWHERE and we chose to use them frequently.

The next morning we were greeted with the wonderful news that our whole plane tested negative as well as all resorts in the Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo area. There had been a plane from Russia arrive a few days before us that had 11 positive people. All of those people were moved to a hospital on the mainland; a town called Moron; and the people they travelled with to a hotel in the same town. All other passengers were again tested and asked to wear masks until their results came in which some did and some did not. Again we stayed far way from anyone that we didn't see on our flight and sanitized every chance we got. We were very happy to see that the staff at there resort were all armed with bottles of a bleach solution and were always spraying and wiping surfaces after being touched by others. After meals, all tables and chairs (even the legs, backs, all surfaces) were sanitized before anyone else could use them. Most meals were buffet style but we were not allowed to touch, we pointed to what we wanted and staff would fill our plate - this included salt, pepper and condiments.

The resort itself was very quiet. My guess is that there were less than 100 guests and that may be an exaggeration. If you are a regular to Cuba and plan to vacation there expecting the usual hustle and bustle of beach goers, shows, activities, and music - change your expectations because all of this has been reduced to much smaller scale. The beach was empty, which we loved. Resort staff were so happy to see us and even more happy that they finally had work. They come to the resort for 2 weeks of work and then they go home for 2 weeks and have to test negative before being allowed to return to work. The precautions are much more stringent than Canada for sure. The people were amazing, the drinks and food were amazing, the vacation was amazing as usual.

We walked to the local marina and dolphinarium where you are greeted again by a bleach solution sprayed on your hands and foot boxes filled with bleach soaked sponge to step in before entering. We grabbed a scooter for a day for 16 CUC and went to Playa Pilar for a lobster lunch - again all the while taking responsibility for our own health and safety.

One thing of note is the currency and method of payment right now. They discourage; and most places won't accept; cash in CUC, CAD or USD. We exchanged only enough to tip in CUC. Everything else was paid by tap with VISA. Currency exchange is not available at the reception desk anymore, it must be done at the airport or the hotel - not every hotel has a bank but the Daiquiri does. Also, Cuban people have a difficult time accessing personal hygiene products right now as they have been segregated to specific stores that require payment in USD by card and not a lot of them have access to this. If you plan to go, they really appreciate shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors, spices, body wash or soap etc. If possible a card loaded with USD would be really appreciated.

All in all it was wonderful. The beach had so much more to see in terms of shells, star fish, sting rays and fish because they had 8 months freedom from people. We got sun, we caught fish, we swam, we enjoyed the cuban people and got to see a few friends we have made over the years. Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are safe vacation destinations. The most risk we faced on the entire trip was being in Toronto and on a flight with no social distancing. We felt safe spending almost a week without wearing a mask. And now we have 2 weeks without a mask because we have to stay home! Mask freedom!

Don't be afraid to travel, do your research, be sure where you are going is COVID free or as close as possible and continue to take all precautions to ensure your safety and that of others. Go on with life, safely!

Yesterday Doug Ford said "stay in Ontario folks". Personally, I feel safer in Cuba.