Government has green-lighted the use of certified, video-monitored lateral flow tests for entry into the Cayman Islands, assisting travellers and returning residents to meet the jurisdiction’s COVID-19 testing requirements, which require a negative test the day before departure.
The Department of Tourism, in a statement on its visitcaymanislands.com website, announced the approval of AZOVA Inc. (www.AZOVA.com) as the accepted provider for the video-observed lateral flow testing service, which is used in the US.
“In this ever-changing travel environment, we remain committed to providing our global guests with the best experience possible – from pre-arrival to departure, we aim to offer exceptional hospitality and convenience. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology from AZOVA, we can ensure that our travellers encounter minimal disruption to their travel experience and can enjoy a warm holiday in the Cayman Islands once again,” Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism said in the statement.
The new policy, DOT said, will provide up-to-date test results, while also ensuring “more accessible testing options for visitors”.
How does it work?
AZOVA, the only approved provider for the service, will offer certified video-proctoring for travellers who request a lateral flow rapid antigen test by video call.
According to its website, AZOVA only sells video observation visit options for the ‘Ellume COVID-19 Home Test’ due to supply issues, which it says can be purchased at local pharmacies. It provides a location-finder to assist clients in sourcing the tests.
There is an option if the user already has a home test kit.
The site provides two options: a video call observation and a video call observation with a validated result. Both services cost US $20.
In the outlined steps, those seeking to use the service must create an account and schedule a video observation call within the timeframe needed for the test.
During the call, a proctor (observer) will guide the individual doing the test through the process.
The test kits are opened during the call and the test done then.
“Once your test results are ready, AZOVA will dynamically create a COVID Credential™ with your validated results. You’ll receive an SMS and an email link to view your results. You can share your results with anyone who needs them directly from your COVID Credentials via QR code, Credential ID or PDF,” the website guide states.
Video observation services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Each test takes 15 minutes to complete.
A photo ID is required during the registration process and a passport number.
“This service is available in all major US cities, Canada and throughout Europe. All test results are available through AZOVA’s Simple Health Pass™. Travellers can securely share their test results via pdf, QR code or with a unique credential ID. The destination currently accepts rapid antigen test results, in addition to PCR test results, taken within the noted timeframe,” the DOT statement said.
Cheryl Lee Eberting, MD, CEO and founder of AZOVA, said the company is excited to launch this programme in the Cayman Islands.
“This is digital health at its finest, but is really only scratching the surface with the potential benefits that can come from creating connected and efficient care delivery models such as this,” she said.
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They also do video observed tests for the Flowflex that is commonly sold in Cayman. In fact, they offer many options, not just Ellume. You may need to update this story. Look at all the options for $20
https://www.azova.com/travelvideo/
Thank you. They only offer the Ellume for video observation visits, which the article has clarified. A further note has been added to reflect the other options.
We used it to return to Cayman last week. It was a great service. Convenient, cost effective, quick.
This is a great option. Hopefully, these test kits will be back in stock soon in the US. They are extremely difficult to find in many states.
We used the verified Binax Now home test to come in last week. I’m confused – why is this news?
Plus – I might add that no one should be encouraging tourists to come visit Cayman right now. The isolation rules and process for testing out of isolation are not ready for a “warm holiday” as described above. Until the testing requirements and isolation rules are more in line with the CDC guidelines, visiting Cayman can feel like being in jail on your holiday, and you can wide up stuck here for several weeks if you test positive for COVID on your visit with little support unless you know important people here who can help you. So, with the extremely high number of COVID cases in the community, tourists should heed the CDC warning to AVOID coming here until things change.
After reading those horror stories in Tuesday’s Cayman Compass, I agree 100% with your advice. This current change is a step in the right direction. However, arriving in Cayman is just the first step. Contacting an asymptomatic case of Covid from one of the “locals”, although not likely, can certainly ruin the rest of your vacation.
According to Azova’s website they offer video observation services for Flowflex, Lucira, On/Go, InteliSwab, Quidel and Ellume. Azova has 2 options, you can purchase a kit and the video observation as a package or just the video observation ( provided you use a kit from one of the above mentioned manufacturers). At this time you can’t purchase an Ellume kit from Azova due to supply issues. There definitely seems to be some confusion regarding this new option and a follow up article would be greatly appreciated.
I did contact Azova customer service, according to them Cayman will accept any of the above options.