Topic: coronavirus
Former Human Rights chair questions legality of beach ban
The former chair of Cayman’s Human Rights Commission has questioned the legality of some of the restrictions currently in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
HSA launches COVID drive-through testing
Frontline workers can now get screened at two drive-through test sites at the Cayman Islands Hospital.
Governor: Moving to next suppression level still on track
Governor Martyn Roper said Sunday that Cayman’s transition into Level 3 of government's COVID-19-suppression plan is still on track despite the announcement Friday night of three positive cases of the virus at Kirk Market.
The issue explained: Life versus liberty in a COVID-19 world
The unique conditions of the immediate post-COVID-19 world have set up inevitable friction between fundamental human rights and the public health imperative to protect the public and save lives. In a special feature, we examine the law behind the curfews and business closures and try to answer some of the key questions surrounding this issue.
Face masks made mandatory at HSA facilities
Starting Monday, 11 May, all people entering Health Services Authority facilities will be required to wear a facemask.
From nasal swab to national statistic in five hours
Thousands of Cayman Islands residents will be tested for the coronavirus. In an effort to demystify the process and set his own mind at ease about a lingering cough, Cayman Compass journalist James Whittaker got swabbed for COVID-19.
CIBC FirstCaribbean staffer tests positive for COVID
A member of staff at CIBC FirstCaribbean has contracted COVID-19, the bank confirmed on Monday.
UPDATE: Kirk Market reopens
Kirk Market is closing its doors for a day on Saturday after three of its employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from the supermarket late Friday night.
Officials: More than half of local cases have recovered
More than half of the coronavirus cases in Cayman have fully recovered, according to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, who reported one new case today (8 May).
Signs of a reopening economy
As Cayman gradually restarts its domestic economy, thousands of workers are being given the green light to return to their jobs as part of the first phase of reopening.
Cabinet confirms borders closed until at least September
Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell confirmed Thursday that Cayman’s borders will remain officially closed until 1 Sept. as he disclosed that cruise ships will not be allowed to call on local ports until the seaport is reopened.
Stranded family hunkers down on boat awaiting baby’s birth
Marie-Michelle Larouche wasn’t expecting she would be giving birth in the Cayman Islands when she, her husband and two children set sail from Montreal, Canada in September 2018.
Frontline workers urged to take COVID tests
Some frontline workers are resisting taking screening tests for COVID-19, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee said this week.
Sporting associations go online
Leagues turn to video challenges to keep athletes fit, engaged
Brac restrictions eased after more negative COVID-19 results
Restrictions are being lifted on Cayman Brac after a large percentage of the island's population tested negative for the coronavirus.
Carnivals to hit the virtual road
The COVID-19 lockdown has forced organisers of the 37th annual Batabano parade and CayMAS to turn to creative means, like virtual events, to keep the carnival spirit going.
Little Cayman celebrates lifting of curfews
Within minutes of Premier Alden McLaughlin announcing on Tuesday that Little Cayman’s hard and soft curfews were being lifted, boats were already heading out to sea.
Developers poised to lead economic recovery
As many as 50 major construction projects are ready to resume as soon as government gives the green light, according to some of Cayman’s major developers.
No new COVID-19 cases but landscapers warned to respect regulations
Premier Alden McLaughlin spelled out a stark warning to landscaping companies amid reports that some are jamming employees into small vans to travel to job sites.
Patience urged on pension withdrawals
Deputy Director of Pensions Amy Wolliston has called for patience as thousands of employees and employers seek to make withdrawals from private pension fund providers.
Passengers shocked by conditions on exit flights
Passengers on the British Airways evacuation flight out of Grand Cayman last week say they were stunned at the lack of social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures on board.
Jamaicans must apply to return home
Jamaican nationals in Cayman who want to return home while their country’s borders remain closed will have to receive authorisation from their government.
Little Cayman curfew lifted; 3 new virus cases reported in Grand Cayman
Cayman has three new cases of COVID-19, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced as he revealed the latest test results from a batch of 224 samples Tuesday at the daily briefing.
General Registry resumes limited services
Government's General Registry Department, which is in charge of issuing critical documentation for births and death, will resume issuing hard copies of those certificates on Wednesday.
Policing COVID-19: Helicopter provides the ‘eyes in the sky’
Steve Fitzgerald, head of the Air Operations Unit, talks to the Compass about how he and his fellow officers have responded to the emergency.
Cabinet to consider extending border closure till September
Cayman’s borders could remain closed at least until September if Cabinet assents to a new paper heading its way.
Sister Islands curfew could be lifted as COVID-19 results remain encouraging
The Cayman Islands has one new case of the coronavirus and 599 negative, the latest test samples show, continuing the trend of encouraging results across the territory.
Ask the Experts – Reopening the economy
Around 6,000 workers are expected to return to work in one capacity or another as the first phase of reopening Cayman's economy begins. Retailers,...
Policing COVID-19: Jet-ski volunteers bolster marine patrols
In the second installment of a three-part series looking at policing on land, air and sea, Robert Scotland, Commandant of the Cayman Islands Coastguard, talks to the Compass about how he and his fellow officers have responded to the emergency.
Policing COVID-19: Public support is helping enforce tough new laws
In the space of a few short weeks, the coronavirus crisis has changed the entire scope of police work. In the first of a three-part series looking at policing on land, air and sea, Deputy Commissioner Kurt Walton talks to the Cayman Compass about how he and his fellow officers have responded to the emergency.
Business closures, job losses mount as economic reality sets in
Snorkeling with Don Foster’s, relaxing at the beach at Calico Jack’s, plunging beneath the sea’s surface on a submarine with Atlantis and finishing it off with a night at Royal Palms. It sounds like the perfect vacation day in Cayman. Instead, it is a roll-call of some of the first business casualties of the coronavirus crisis.
Premier appeals to civil servants to stop leaking information
Premier Alden McLaughlin called on civil servants to stop leaking information to the public before formal decisions are taken in Cayman’s COVID-19 crisis response.
FAQ: Pension holiday and withdrawals
Frequently asked questions regarding the Cayman Islands suspension and withdrawal of pension contributions.
One new virus case reported, hard curfew shortened
Cayman's hard curfew is being shortened by one hour, as the islands reported one new case of COVID-19.
Pool service, landscaping, car wash among businesses that can reopen
New regulations governing Cayman's COVID-19 lockdown, which were published in the Government Gazette Friday, outline what types of businesses will be allowed to reopen from next week.
Foundation established to manage private-sector emergency fund
A private sector-led emergency recovery fund announced in early April and kicked off with an initial $1 million personal donation from Ken Dart is taking shape.
Ritz, Kimpton furlough staff as economic crisis deepens
Hundreds of staff at hotels owned by Dart Enterprises are being offered temporary leaves of absence, or in some cases being laid off, as the economic crisis facing the tourism industry deepens.
30,000 PPE kits arrive in Cayman from China
A shipment of 30,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits arrived in the Cayman Islands from China on Thursday as part of efforts to ensure the continued safety of the islands' frontline health workers.
Saying goodbye to loved ones during COVID-19
Saying goodbye to a family member or friend who has died is an emotionally taxing experience during normal times. But that stress has been magnified with the new challenges brought on by crowd-control measures that prevent more than a handful of people attending a funeral during the COVID-19 crisis.
52,000 swabs added to Cayman’s supply
The arrival of 52,000 swabs on island this week has boosted Cayman’s ability to sustain significant COVID-19 testing.
Curfew extended until new regulations in place
Cayman's curfew and shelter in place restrictions are set to remain in place in the coming days until the new regulations kick in.
Traffic Law changes take effect
New changes to the Traffic Law to allow motorists to renew their vehicle licence without the need for a new certificate of roadworthiness is now in effect.
Police investigate alleged curfew breach by health minister’s wife
A formal police investigation has been launched into allegations of breaches to the current curfew restrictions that were leveled against Tiffany Seymour, wife of Health Minister Dwayne Seymour.
Refugees provided with food vouchers, baby supplies
Around 16 families designated as refugees and asylum seekers in Cayman will receive assistance from the Ministry of Community Affairs during the COVID-19 crisis.
Cayman gears up for phased reopening amid encouraging test results
A phased reopening of Cayman's domestic economy is expected to begin Monday after encouraging results from hundreds of screening tests for COVID-19 this week.
Money-transfer services to resume
Some money remittance services could be given the green light to reopen their doors as soon as next week Monday.
Doctors Hospital begins drive-through testing
CTMH Doctors Hospital has begun drive-through testing of frontline workers as part of the new strategy for fighting COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands.
Lee: No risk from positive COVID-19 HSA health worker
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has assured that there is no risk to the patients or staff at the Health Services Authority after a healthcare worker there tested positive for COVID-19.
Store to donate 10,000 face masks
A local store will be donating 10,000 masks to frontline workers in Cayman.
Minister should take responsibility
Writer calls for government members to speak out if family members breach curfew.
3 new virus cases reported
Cayman has three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 73, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported at Tuesday’s daily press briefing.
UK military personnel arrive on island
A team of nine military personnel and three civilians arrived in Grand Cayman Tuesday to assist with Cayman's COVID-19 battle and hurricane preparedness.
Regional UN body calls for new development model
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has stressed that a new development model is needed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Attorney urges preparation of wills
The COVID-19 crisis is underlining the importance of having an up-to-date, valid will, according to Cayman Islands attorney Anthony Partridge.
Education ministry to track student ‘learning loss’
The Ministry of Education is implementing methods of tracking 'learning loss' for students who have spent the last several weeks being schooled at home during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Outcry grows for money-remittance services to resume
The call for money remittance services to be reopened continues to grow with each passing week.
Emergency relief for Starbucks employees
Starbucks and local licensee Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited has launched an emergency relief programme for employees of the coffee shops who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Pension cash-out hurts funds, savers and the taxpayer
The downside of cashing out your pension.
COVID-19 restrictions could be eased this week
Some restrictions on movement and business could be lifted as early as Friday, Premier Alden McLaughlin said Monday.
Some post offices to reopen this week
The Cayman Islands Postal Service will partially reopen this week, with one branch on each island opening for two half-days a week, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced at Monday's COVID-19 press briefing.
Cayman community answers call for protective masks
Anesa Miller Goodall and Jhon Mora, of Kitesurf Cayman have repurposed their sewing machines, typically used for kitesurfing repairs, to make free face masks for the community.
Foster Group supplies smartphones to care homes
The Foster Group has donated 13 smartphones to local care homes to enable elderly residents to stay in touch with family and friends while visits to the homes are restricted during the COVID-19 crisis.
Roper: Repatriation flights ‘challenging’
Governor Martyn Roper has said Cayman’s hands remain tied when it comes to assisting many unemployed foreign workers, especially Indian nationals who are seeking a route back to their home country.
Grief, memories and hope accompany closure of Calico Jack’s
Calico Jack's owner Handel Whittaker said he was heart-broken at the closure of the much-loved beach bar.
Curfew cases mount, but few court appearances yet
A month into Cayman’s coronavirus suppression measures, only a handful of people have been prosecuted for breaches of curfew.
Premier: Labour Law changes seek to reduce terminations
New Labour Law changes will now see employers continue to pay health insurance for dismissed employees for another 30 days while deferring severance packages for the same period.
Seniors get supermarket surprise
Seniors shopping on Wednesday and Thursday got a special supermarket surprise when the Caribbean Utilities Company picked up their tab at the counter.
Premier ‘optimistic’ that COVID restrictions could soon be eased
Premier Alden McLaughlin struck an optimistic note Friday, suggesting some of the curfew restrictions could be rolled back "in short order" depending on the results of an ongoing mass testing programme.
Economic report warns up to 14,000 jobs could be lost in COVID-19 crisis
More than 10,000 jobs could be lost by the close of 2020 if the coronavirus lockdown extends to the end of May, according to an economic impact analysis of the crisis prepared for the Chamber of Commerce.
Doctors urge public not to avoid hospitals in emergencies
Fear of catching COVID-19 should not deter patients who need emergency treatment from coming to hospital, medical experts advise.
Divers face long-term health impact from COVID-19
A number of divers who contracted COVID-19, but apparently suffered only mild symptoms, went on to display possibly irreversible and serious damage to their lungs.
Pension Law changes passed
Premier Alden McLaughlin has piloted Pension Law changes which will allow workers to access to their pension funds to ride out the current COVID-19 storm.
