Cayman’s day-to-day life under phase 3

As we await further details on what phase 4 of government’s reopening plan will look like, those of you hoping to visit the Cayman Islands following the anticipated 20 Nov. border reopening may be wondering what day-to-day life is like right now in the islands.

Phase 3 has its own set of rules and regulations, some of which we outline here:

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes. If you are over the age of five and cannot maintain six feet of social distancing in a public place, including at school, then masks are required. The same applies if you are visiting a business that requires masks, and they can refuse access if you don’t adhere.

People are exempt from this rule if they are unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition or are otherwise exempted by guidance provided by the Medical Officer of Health, or if they are sitting or eating without talking, or are at a desk at their place of employment or educational institution.

Legally, you must wear a mask in health care facilities, residential home care facilities, prisons or places of detention, airports, taxis/omnibuses, and any other place specified by the Medical Officer of Health.

Do I need to social distance?

If in a public place, people must maintain a distance of at least six feet from others not in their household. This may result in businesses having to restrict numbers so that customers can achieve this distance.

How many people can I invite to my social event?

Time to cut down your party invitations.

No more than 100 people may gather in public, indoors, and no more than 250, outdoors, for a public meeting. If gathering in an indoor and outdoor setting, the 250 people rule applies overall, with only 100 allowed in the indoor section.

These limits exclude those employed to take part in the activity and in the case of weddings/civil partnerships the limits do not include the bride/s, bridegroom/s, witnesses and marriage/civil partnership officer. For funerals, these numbers do not include up to six pall bearers, an officiant and any essential mortuary staff.

These gathering limits also do not apply to customers of businesses or staff at workplaces, or church congregations, as long as social distancing can be achieved.

Can I still go to restaurants?

Yes. The biggest difference you’ll see here is that tables are further apart now, as the law call for six feet of distance between them. Your servers and front of house staff will also be wearing masks.

I dive – can I rent a tank?

You can still rent snorkelling or scuba equipment but register with the Department of Environmental Health beforehand. Equipment must be cleaned each day with a DEH approved agent, and the equipment must not be rented to anyone else for three days after it has been returned.

What about my boat trip this weekend?

You’ll have a bit more room on boat trips now, as there must be less than 100 people, or 70% capacity (whichever is less), on boats with a capacity of more than 40 people.

I’d like to visit Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – is that allowed?

Sister Island-hopping is still OK as long as you provide a vaccination certificate for a vaccination course completed at least 14 days prior to travel, and must not be displaying signs of COVID-19. If unvaccinated and over the age of five, you must provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departing.

What about sports matches and gym attendance?

Say goodbye to the celebratory chest bump, as each spectator must maintain a six-foot distance to those in different households. And, as in line with general gathering restrictions, no more than 250 people may spectate or participate in an outdoor sporting activity.

Indoor gyms and fitness centres must have no more than 50% of legal capacity, including employees, patrons, participants and spectators, and members entering must provide proof of completion of a vaccine course at least 14 days prior, or provide a negative PCR test taken 48 hours or less before. Social distancing must be adhered to from those in different households.

Do I still need to quarantine after travel?

At present, vaccinated travellers whose vaccine status can be securely verified must quarantine for seven days. Unverified vaccinated travellers must quarantine for 10 days. Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 14 days. GPS Tracking is still required. These requirements are expected to change significantly under phase 4 of government’s reopening plan.

For a full explanation of rules visit https://www.exploregov.ky/government-covid19-policies

What’s due to change in phase 4?

On 20 Nov. the Cayman Islands is due to move into phase 4, which will involve a further change in restrictions. These will be approved by Cabinet before being implemented.