Cayman Islands: Authorities extend coronavirus-related restrictions territory-wide until at least April 15 /update 17

Health officials in Cayman Islands extend COVID-related restrictions until at least April 15.

Event

Health officials in the Cayman Islands have extended the territory's existing restrictions through at least April 15 as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Most of the measures will remain largely unchanged as compared with those in force as of Jan. 15; however, authorities have eased the attendance limit on outdoor gatherings. Under the new directives, the cap on the size of outdoor public gatherings has been increased from 500 to 1,000 people. Indoor public gatherings will continue to be limited at 500 people. Businesses can continue to operate without capacity limitations as long as they do not have more than 500 people simultaneously within their facilities.

Individuals must wear facemasks while riding public or private transportation, as well as when in certain indoor public spaces.

With regard to international travel restrictions, persons permitted to enter the Cayman Islands include Caymanian citizens and permanent residents, work permit holders, residential property owners, student visa holders, persons with close family ties to residents or work permit holders, and other individuals with approval from authorities.

Other entry requirements and quarantine measures included:

All persons wishing to travel the Cayman Islands must apply for pre-approval using the Travel Cayman online portal.
All travelers aged 10 years or older must provide proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for the Cayman Islands; this documentation must be submitted at the airport prior to boarding.
All incoming passengers aged five years or older must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM).
All incoming travelers must quarantine for at least 14 days; travelers will then need to take another COVID-19 PCR test on day 15 and receive a negative result and approval from health authorities to end their quarantine.
Travelers may quarantine at home or in a hotel, wearing a geofencing monitoring device, or agree to isolation in a government facility. Persons can travel between Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac islands without the need to get tested or to quarantine.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.