Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

On this page you will find detailed information and updates on Cayman's current Government restrictions, travel restrictions and much more.

Travel Updates (June 24th 2022)keyboard_arrow_right

The following rules apply in the Cayman Islands in relation to COVID-19:

• As of June 30th 2022 travellers to the Cayman Islands are not required to provide a pre-arrival COVID-19 test.
• Also as of June 30th 2022 the requirement to wear masks has been lifted.
• As of June 30th 2022 those completing the required quarantine period (6 days for those vaccinated, 9 days for those unvaccinated) after tested positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to take an exit test to end their isolation.
  
• As of June 30th Caymanians, Cayman residents and those with close ties to the Cayman Islands do not need to be vaccinated nor quarantine for 7 days if unvaccinated.
• As of June 30th 2022 the requirement for anyone arriving by air to the Cayman Islands to complete a travel declaration form on the Travel Cayman website no less than 72 hours before arrival is still in place.
  
• Children aged 11 and younger will take the vaccination status of their parents, allowing fully vaccinated visitors to travel with children age 11 and younger.
• Fully vaccinated travelling visitors (adults and children) can enter without having to quarantine.
  
• Unvaccinated visitors (age 12 and over) are not able to travel to the Cayman Islands at this time, unless that visitor has a close tie to the Cayman Islands. A close tie is considered anyone who can demonstrate that they own a business or property in the Cayman Islands or has a close family tie. A family tie is anyone that is the spouse, civil partner, sibling, parent, step-parent, grandparent, grandchild, child or stepchild of a Caymanian or Resident.

For more detailed updates on entering the Cayman Islands, click here.

The Cayman Islands Government have a COVID-19 FAQs page that is updated regularly with local coronavirus-related news and policies in action.

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Current Government Restrictions: COVID-19 Suppression Levels

Regulations have been put forth under the Public Health Act (2002 Revision) for the prevention, control and suppression of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands. Five levels, ranging from Maximum Suppression (Level 5) to the All Clear (Level 1), offer guidance for rules and regulations that are to be followed across the Cayman Islands.

At all levels, people are expected to practice physical distancing, maintain good hand hygiene and follow any regulation issued under the Public Health Act and in accordance with Section 49 of the Police Act. The measures currently in effect include:

Public Gathering Restrictions:

• As of June 30th 2022 people are no longer required to wear face masks/coverings.
  
• As of April 28th, the maximum capacity for indoor events is 750 people.
• As of April 28th, the 1000 person limit on outdoor public gatherings has been lifted. This means that street parades and processions, as well as outdoor sporting events, can go ahead without Cabinet's permission and with no restrictions on the number of participants or spectators taking part.
• Use of hookah, shisha pipes or water pipes remain prohibited.
• Contact sports are permitted.
• Persons renting any shared scuba or snorkelling equipment must register with the Department of Environmental Health.

Schools:

• As of June 30th the rules on all children and teachers having to wear masks in school has been lifted.
  
• Masks/face coverings no longer need to be worn on the school bus to/from school

Travel between the Islands:

• Vaccinated people are not required to provide a negative result from a PCR or antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test (lateral flow test).
• All unvaccinated travellers to Cayman Brac age 5 and over must provide a negative result from a PCR or antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test taken no earlier than the day before departure.
• Travellers under the age of 5 are not required to undergo testing.

People are still expected to practice physical distancing and maintain good hand hygiene, as well as follow any regulation issued under the Public Health Act and in accordance with Section 49 of the Police Act.

For a detailed breakdown of the rules and regulations, please click here.

Lateral Flow Test Screeningkeyboard_arrow_right

Under the Public Health ‘Control of COVID-19 (Testing) Regulations, 2021’, Cayman’s approved testing methods have expanded to include the use of Antigen-Detecting Rapid Diagnostics Tests (Lateral Flow Tests, LFTs).

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National COVID-19 Vaccination Programmekeyboard_arrow_right

The National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme began its roll-out to the Cayman public on the 8th of January 2021. Inoculations are free and administered based on a priority-grouping system. As of 14th June 2022, 94.6% of Cayman's population have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination and 91.8% have received two doses and 36.2% of the population have received a booster. 2.1% of the population have received a fourth vaccine. There have been 28 deaths related to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

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The Virus

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that normally affects animals including camels, cats and bats. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they are transmitted between animals and humans. The virus itself is a new, or ‘novel’ coronavirus causing respiratory illness in people.

Although it is rare for animal coronaviruses to evolve and infect people, it has occurred before with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Symptoms:

• Sore Throat
  
• Fever
  
• Dry Cough
  
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste and/or smell
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
  

Symptoms occur 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you may just have a common cold.

A Flu Hotline is available to assist people if they have concerns or are exhibiting symptoms. Call the Flu Hotline on 1 800 534 8600. If you are exhibiting any coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate.

See this link for a list of all approved testing providers.

How to Stay Safe

The virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. In response, James Robb MD UC, an American pathologist and the WHO have issued recommendations and precautions to prevent the spread of this disease. These include:

• Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose - the most common way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands.
  
• Frequent hand-washing with antibacterial soap and water for 10-20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser greater than 60%. The virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes.
• When coughing/sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw away the tissue and wash your hands.
• Avoid handshaking - use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
• If you have fever/cough/difficulty breathing seek medical care early and disclose travel history.
• Use disinfectant wipes to disinfect areas that your hands will come in contact with such as the handle and child seat in grocery carts, hand rails on public transport and stairs, etc.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.

NOTE: If the droplets fall on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours. If you come into contact with any metal surface, wash your hands as soon as you can with an antibacterial soap. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours, so avoid sneezing in your elbow, if possible. The virus can also be spread on cell phone screens, handles and handsets and will be potent for up to seven days.

Advice for Home Isolation

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have been advised to isolate your self at home, here are some tips:

• Stay home- Do not go to work, school, or public areas until you have been told by the Public Health Department that is safe to do so. You will need to ask for help if you require groceries, other shopping or medications.
• Separate yourself from others in the home- You should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window to outside that can be opened, separate from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom and towels from the rest of the household, if available. If you have to share these facilities, regular cleaning will be required. If you live in shared accommodation with a communal kitchen, bathroom and living area, you should stay in your room with the door closed, only coming out when necessary, wearing a face mask. Avoid using the area while others are present.
• Call your doctor or flu hotline before visiting- If your symptoms are getting progressively worse and you need to see a doctor, you should discuss what you are experiencing in advance over the phone. This will ensure that your healthcare provider can take steps to minimise contact with others. If it is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance, inform the call handler or operator that you are being tested for COVID-19.
• Practice good hygiene- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of it into a plastic waste bag. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water after you cough, sneeze or touch any surface.
• Do not have visitors in your home- If it is not essential for someone to visit, talk over the phone. This will minimise the chances of the virus spreading.
• Avoid sharing household items- You should have designated dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items to avoid sharing them with other people in your home. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Laundry, bedding and towels should be placed in a plastic bag.
• Handling waste- All waste that has been in contact with the individual should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full. The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied. Do not dispose of it or put it out for collection until you know that patient does not have COVID-19.

For more detailed guidance and assistance, you can contact the Isolation Support Call Centre by calling 1 (345) 946 3530, the toll free line: 1 (800) 534 3530, or by emailing isolationsupport@gov.ky.