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Crisis

Cuba Emergency: Universities Closed, 4-Day Work Week

The Cuban government closes universities, reduces school hours, limits hospital surgeries, and shortens the work week amid the fuel crisis.

By Zunzún · AI-assisted writing · reviewed by a person before publication

2 min read

Empty university classroom in Cuba

Illustration: Aroma de Cuba (AI)

Cuba has announced a package of emergency measures unprecedented in decades to face the fuel crisis. The restrictions affect virtually every sector of society.

The Announced Measures

Education Paralyzed

  • Universities temporarily closed
  • Reduced school hours in primary and secondary schools
  • Hybrid classes where possible

Reduced Work

  • 4-day work week (Monday to Thursday) for state employees
  • Mandatory remote work where possible
  • Staff reduction in government offices

Rationed Healthcare

  • Hospitals limiting stays
  • Non-urgent surgeries postponed
  • Prioritization of emergency services
  • Clinics with reduced hours

Collapsed Transportation

  • Havana’s bus system virtually paralyzed
  • Gas stations with hours-long lines or closed
  • Mandatory app to get fuel (reportedly not working well)

Other Sectors

  • Cultural events suspended (including the Book Fair)
  • Banks with reduced hours
  • Hotels consolidating guests to save energy

”Option Zero”

President Díaz-Canel has invoked the concept of “option zero” — a survival plan designed in the 1990s for a scenario without oil. It’s the first time it’s been activated since the Special Period.

According to CBS News, the government is prioritizing fuel for:

  • Agriculture
  • Water supply
  • National defense
  • Critical health services

The Context

These measures come after the United States effectively blocked oil supply to the island, threatening tariffs on any country that sends crude to Cuba.

Venezuela, the main historical supplier, stopped sending oil after the January events. Mexico has suspended shipments for fear of US retaliation.

Human Impact

For Cubans, this means:

  • Children with fewer school hours
  • Workers with less income (reduced week)
  • Sick people waiting for surgeries
  • Families without transportation to get around
  • Cooking with charcoal and firewood

All while the migration route through Nicaragua closes.

The situation evolves hour by hour. We will continue updating.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Cuba close universities?
Cuba temporarily closed universities as part of an emergency measures package to save fuel amid the severe energy shortage. The government is prioritizing available fuel for agriculture, critical health services, and defense.
How many days do state employees work in Cuba now?
Cuban state employees now work a reduced 4-day work week, Monday through Thursday, as an energy-saving measure.
What is Cuba's 'option zero'?
'Option zero' is a survival plan designed in the 1990s for a scenario without oil. This is the first time it has been activated since the Special Period of the 90s.
Are hospitals operating in Cuba?
Cuban hospitals are operating with limitations: non-urgent surgeries postponed, reduced hospital stays, and prioritization of emergency services only.
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