The Cuban government declared on Wednesday that schools and work activities will remain suspended until October 27. This extension is part of ongoing recovery efforts following the damage inflicted by Hurricane Oscar in the eastern region of the country, as well as efforts to restore the National Electric System. The National Defense Council has decided to prolong the measures initially set by the government, which were announced on October 20, 2024, regarding labor and educational activities," reported official sources.
The announcement further confirmed that workers mobilized during this period would receive their average salary, while those unable to attend work due to the suspension would be paid a wage guarantee equivalent to their job's salary scale. The brief statement failed to provide additional details about the measure, which deepens the economic and general stagnation affecting Cuba.
It was on Sunday, October 20, that the government, through another similar note, had initially declared a halt to all non-essential administrative and educational activities for three days, up to this Wednesday, due to Hurricane Oscar's impending impact in the east and the ongoing efforts to restore the collapsed national electric system since October 18.
Disruptions Amid Power Crisis
Despite the massive power outage, the Cuban government had already put the nation on hold due to the energy emergency, implementing measures effective that same day. The stated goal was to reduce electricity consumption and "preserve" service to residential areas. Among the enacted provisions, all non-essential and energy-consuming services were halted, while critical operations, such as hospitals and food production facilities, continued to function.