Starting Thursday, 30 June, those completing the required quarantine period after having tested positive for COVID will no longer need an exit test to end their isolation.
It is one of a new parcel of regulations that will take effect tomorrow, which includes the lifting of pre-arrival testing and the end to mandatory wearing of masks locally and aboard aircraft bound for Cayman.
These changes were a welcomed relief to those within the tourism industry who had been clamouring for the relaxing of regulations.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez pointed out Wednesday that lifting of exit testing applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
The required isolation period, according to the regulations – six days for vaccinated persons and nine days for unvaccinated persons – remains unchanged.
“The isolation period is one of our most effective controls against COVID-19 and greatly reduces the risk of onward transmission. We have removed the requirement for exit testing with this in mind, and trust that the public will continue to adhere to the regulations and protocols outlined by the Government and Public Health,” Williams-Rodriguez said in a statement.
Those who test positive for COVID-19 by lateral flow test must still report their positive result and complete a confirmation PCR test at an Health Services Authority testing clinic.
Health Minister Sabrina Turner, in a statement ahead of the commencement of the changes, said her ministry shares in the excitement “as we move even closer to normalcy”.
Arriving at this point, she said, was a credit to citizens remaining compliant and the community’s patience.
“We are happy for relaxed restrictions but we also understand that it does not call for less responsibility. Seek vaccination, for any dose that you may be eligible, to protect yourself and vulnerable loved ones. Practice proper hand hygiene, and choose to enhance your immunity through nutrition and exercise,” Turner said.
She added that the Public Health team will continue surveillance, stating, “We will actively monitor the spread of COVID-19 and amend restrictions according to the needs of the community.”
Changes to operation of testing centres
With the dropping of the exit testing and most countries doing away with pre-arrival testing, Williams-Rodriguez said Public Health will be closing or amending hours of COVID-19 testing centres.
For example, the COVID-19 testing centres at MacLendon Drive and the Bodden Town Civic Centre will be closing their doors next Tuesday.
With the new changes, he added, letters will no longer be required from Public Health for people to be released from isolation.
COVID-19 testing centre changes
· Bodden Town Civic Centre – closed as of Tuesday, 5 July
· Ed Bush Sports Complex – closed as of Tuesday, 5 July
· 131 Centre, MacLendon Drive – closed for COVID-19 testing as of Tuesday, 5 July
· Truman Bodden Sports Complex (drive-through) – Daily 8-10am. Effective Monday, 18 July, Monday, Wednesday, Friday only, 8-10am.
· Cayman Brac: Aston Rutty Centre – Monday-Friday 9-10am (closed weekends and public holidays)
· Little Cayman Clinic – Monday-Friday 1-2pm by appointment only (closed weekends and public holidays)
Williams-Rodriguez reminded that the day an individual tests positive is considered Day 0.
With the new changes, fully vaccinated positive cases isolate for six days and can leave isolation on day seven, as long they have no symptoms.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated positives have to isolate for nine days and can leave isolation on day 10, as long as they show no signs of the virus.
For vaccinated primary contacts of COVID-positive individuals, the daily lateral flow testing for six days remains, but they may continue usual activities once they test negative.
Unvaccinated contacts in the household of a positive individual must quarantine for nine days.
For unvaccinated children aged 11 and under, Williams-Rodriguez said, they isolate based on the vaccination status of their parent/guardian.
Mixed households (i.e., one parent vaccinated, one unvaccinated) default as unvaccinated.
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