Cuba, government extends the closure of schools and offices until the 27th

(ANSA) – LA HABANA, OCTOBER 23 – In the context of the energy crisis and efforts to restore the functioning of the electricity grid after the collapse that occurred over the weekend, the Cuban government has extended the closure of schools and public offices until October 27 limiting public administration activities to essential services only. This was reported in a press release which states that “to continue the work of recovering the damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Oscar in the eastern region of the country and to restore the electro-energy system, the National Defense Council has decided to extend the measures relating to the activities working and educational until Sunday 27 October”. The note specifies that “workers mobilized in these circumstances will receive payment of their average salary and those who, due to this suspension, do not go to work, will receive payment of a salary guarantee equivalent to the salary of the position they occupy” . Meanwhile, authorities say the system is currently supplying energy to around 70% of users although they warn that the crisis is far from being resolved and President Miguel Díaz-Canel has admitted that the blackouts will persist in the coming days. (HANDLE).