Topic: coronavirus
35,000 test kits sold to Bermuda
The Cayman Islands has sold 35,000 of the test kits it procured from South Korea to the Bermuda government.
Green iguana cull on pause
One negative consequence of Cayman’s island-wide shutdown could be a resurgence of the invasive green iguana.
An ultra-runner talks curfews, training and fitness
Runner Kerri Kanuga shares tips on staying fit and healthy during the coronavirus lockdown.
Stay Home Cayman: A guide to the COVID-19 survival plan
Cabinet passed new amendments to the ‘shelter in place’ regulations, Monday, toughening some of the rules on if and how people can move around...
UPDATE: US authorities release Cayman medical supplies
Medical supplies purchased by the Health Services Authority have been confiscated by the United States Government, Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed.
In face of COVID crisis, we must adapt and overcome
The coronavirus crisis is challenging Caribbean communities like never before. It is also bringing the best out of its people and institutions writes guest columnist Thomas Christopher Famous.
Cayman prisons implement COVID-19 protocols
Measures to reduce COVID-19 risk at Cayman’s prisons, including isolation of new admissions and monitoring of staff temperatures, are being implemented by Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service, according to an email from the service.
Guest column: Curfew regulations explained for separated parents, children
On Friday 3 April, Attorney General Samuel Bulgin announced that persons undertaking travel to facilitate child contact arrangements would be exempt from the shelter in place regulations.
Finance minister: Cash reserves can support economic recovery
Five months after the government presented a record $1.6 billion two-year budget, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown all financial plans into disarray.
Will Caymanians be able to come home?
I’m writing as a concerned Caymanian who is overseas due to a death in the family.
I have contacted several airlines and have not been...
Grateful for government’s efforts
Headline this morning (30 March), ‘4 new cases of coronavirus confirmed Sunday’. And not a one on Cayman Brac , the nearest you can...
Shut liquor stores and restaurants
In my humble opinion, if that is the goal and reasoning with the pool cleaners (which I fully support by the way!), then we...
Thankful for Cayman’s response to COVID-19
For the many efforts you, as our government and police department, have made in trying to keep the Cayman Islands as healthy as possible...
Visitor ‘stuck’ in Cayman, lauds government action
I am 84 years old, stranded on Cayman. I would like to praise the government for the very sensible action they have taken regarding...
165,000 test kits from South Korea arrive in Cayman
Cayman has received a shipment of test kits which government purchased from a South Korean company.
Health City begins next phase of reopening
Health City Cayman Islands, which closed down temporarily last month after some of its staff contracted COVID-19 from the islands’ first coronavirus patient, is continuing to reopen in phases.
Money transfer services in limbo
Government has rejected one of two proposals for money transfer services to reopen during soft curfew hours.
Plans for widespread testing after $4.4M test-kit shipment
The Cayman Islands Hospital will soon have the capacity to test up to 500 people a day for the coronavirus, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has confirmed.
Lee: Self-assessment not a diagnosis
Chief Medical Officer Dr John Lee is advising members of the public to continue to follow all COVID-19 health protocols even if they are cleared when using government’s self-assessment tool for the virus.
Easter Bunny exempted from curfew restrictions
It’s official, the Easter Bunny has been declared an essential worker and is now exempted from Cayman’s curfew hours.
Airports likely to remain closed until at least 30 May
Cayman's borders are likely to stay closed until the end of May, Premier Alden McLaughlin said Tuesday.
4 students among 6 new virus cases
The Cayman Islands has six new cases of the coronavirus, including four students who had been quarantined at a local hotel, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced today at the daily COVID-19 briefing.
First COVID deaths in Turks, Bermuda
The coronavirus has claimed two lives in Bermuda and one in Turks and Caicos, the first deaths involving residents in Britain’s overseas territories.
US$50,000 raised for community response to COVID-19
Deloitte staff and partners have donated US$50,000 to help Meals on Wheels and Feed Our Future continue to serve at-risk members of the community.
Emergency BA flight arrives in Cayman
A British Airways flights from London arrived at Grand Cayman’s airport Monday afternoon, carrying 58 Caymanian students and other residents, who will be quarantined for 14 days in a government-mandated facility.
NAU applications on the rise
The demand for Needs Assessment Unit assistance by vulnerable Caymanians is increasing as some 136 new applications are set to be processed this week.
Gov’t approves purchase of 30 new ventilator beds
Government has given the Health Services Authority the green light to purchase 30 additional ventilator beds as Cayman continued to ready itself for any widespread outbreak of COVID-19.
Multi-million dollar plan for small businesses
Government revealed details of a $14.5 million life support plan for small and micro businesses Monday as the coronavirus crisis continued to take its toll on the islands.
New COVID warning as British PM in intensive care
Premier Alden McLaughlin sent the best wishes of all in the Cayman Islands to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in intensive care in hospital with the coronavirus.
Baby shops allowed to open
Local baby shops are now allowed to operate under the new ‘shelter in place’ rules, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced.
Flimmaker uses 3D printers to make masks for medics
A Cayman Islands filmmaker is using cutting-edge 3D printers to create masks and other personal protective gear for medics on the frontline of the...
Premier: Supermarkets assure Cayman’s food supply ‘in great shape’
Premier Alden McLaughlin has said local suppliers have advised him that Cayman is in a “great shape” when it comes to food as he addressed concerns over shortages in some supplies at local supermarkets.
Exercise can be good for you and your country in times of crises
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland writes that the Commonwealth Moves campaign will soon be launched to encourage more people from the 54 member countries to stay active and exercise as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Four new coronavirus cases, exercise rules clarified
The Cayman Islands has four new cases of the coronavirus, public health officials said Sunday.
Police investigate fake news involving governor’s wife
A police investigation has been launched into what Governor Martyn Roper called a “fake news attack”, alleging that his wife Lissie was travelling on Tuesday’s British Airways flight.
Curfews, closures and community concern across the territories
Britain’s overseas territories have responded to the coronavirus threat with border closures, curfews and community-wide initiatives to protect the most vulnerable citizens.
Cuban doctors being recruited for Cayman frontline
A request has been sent to the Cuban government for between 50 to 100 Cuban medical professionals to be sent to Cayman to join local health care workers in the COVID-19 battle.
Ban on delivery room companions lifted
The Health Services Authority announced Sunday that it was reversing a decision banning mothers in labour from having the baby's father or another chosen companion with them in the delivery room.
Immigration & employment Q&A roundup
Representatives from HSM Chambers joined us for a live Q&A, so you could have your questions answered directly by the experts.
6 new virus cases reported, first on Brac
The Cayman Islands has six new cases of coronavirus, including the first reported case on Cayman Brac, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced Saturday at the government’s daily briefing.
Prisoners released early during health crisis
A number of inmates nearing the end of their sentences have been released early from prison amid the COVID-19 crisis, Police Commissioner Derek Byrne confirmed Saturday.
Podcast: Fighting COVID-19 anxiety with Dr. Lockhart
The global impact of coronavirus has many of us feeling powerless, anxious and depressed. Our routines have been turned upside down and we are...
Sun, sea and sand replaced by corona, COVID and curfew
Across the Caribbean the staples of sun, sea and sand that have made our region so popular with tourists have been replaced with corona, Covid and curfew. We must adapt to survive, writes our guest columnist from Bermuda, Thomas Christopher Famous.
Tougher curfew and on-the-spot fines announced
Government is imposing a new alphabet-based curfew system, which will put tougher restrictions on movement for Cayman Islands residents.
Four month prison sentence for curfew breach
The first criminal prosecution for breach of the coronavirus curfew saw an individual jailed for four months this morning.
Ritz-Carlton braces for possibility of lengthy shutdown
Leaders of Cayman’s biggest resort are preparing for the possibility that the island could be closed to tourists for several months.
Economist: Hit from COVID-19 could go beyond 2021
economist Marla Dukharan writes in her COVID-19 Caribbean Economic Impact Report,
Premier: Pool maintenance ‘not essential’
Premier Alden McLaughlin held his ground clarifying that pool maintenance is not an essential service as he tried once again to get the community to comply with shelter in place provisions.
Customs outlines air cargo collection arrangements
The Customs and Border Control Service has outlined some details of how businesses and individuals can clear and collect their cargo that arrived by air before or during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Cayman Airways reduces Sister Islands flights
Cayman Airways will only be flying once per week to Sister Islands from April 6-18.
Commissioner: All curfew breaches will be prosecuted
Dozens of people will be prosecuted for breaching curfew following police action over the past 10 days.
200,000 COVID test kits on order from South Korea
The Cayman Islands has ordered 200,000 coronavirus test kits from a supplier in South Korea and will be able to begin mass testing soon.
Costa Luminosa passengers recount ‘nightmare’ aboard ‘death ship’
When the Anglins boarded the Costa Luminosa, they had expected to spend several weeks relaxing on beaches in the Caribbean and Europe as part of a transatlantic holiday. By the end of their trip, the British couple would be locked away under quarantine in Rome and referring to their cruise as the ‘COVID Death Ship’.
Governor: Staying home saves lives
A message from Governor Martyn Roper
Frontline staff to get boost in supplies
Cayman will receive thousands of key personal protective equipment for frontline workers on Tuesday’s British Airways flight, Health Minister Dwayne Seymour has said.
HSA expands pharmacy services to new location
Starting Saturday, 4 April, the Health Services Authority will be dispensing prescription refills for CINICO and private insurance members with 100% coverage from its new location on the first floor of the Smith Road Centre.
Foster’s scotches virus rumour
Foster’s supermarket on Thursday issued a press release denying rumours that some of its staff had tested positive for COVID-19 and were still working.
Premier: Health of frontline staff a major concern
The health of Cayman’s frontline staff, and the country’s ability to provide human resources to bolster any shortfalls should they fall ill, continues to be a source of sleepless nights for local leaders, according to Premier Alden McLaughlin.
Governor warns public against seeking out COVID-19 patients
Governor Martyn Roper has expressed “serious concerns” that members of the community are actively trying to find out who are Cayman’s positive COVID-19 patients and where they live.
Tougher curfew measures planned as coronavirus cases rise
Curfew measures will be extended and toughened up after five new coronavirus cases were confirmed, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Thursday.
Business leaders: Massive economic stimulus plan needed
Government may need to put together a $300 million-plus economic-stimulus package to avoid an ‘unprecedented humanitarian crisis’ as the Cayman Islands faces up to the consequences of the coronavirus.
Eight new coronavirus cases confirmed
The Cayman Islands has eight new cases of the coronavirus after the latest round of testing, public health officials said Wednesday.
$250M Airbnb fund to help hosts with COVID-19 cancellations
Online vacation-rental broker Airbnb is dedicating $250 million to cover some of the losses property owners incurred as a result of cancellations amid the global coronavirus crisis.
Cayman embraces homemade face masks
A mask-making movement has started in Cayman, adopting a global trend aimed at reducing the spread of infectious disease.
Government explores COVID-19 support from Cuba and South Korea
The Cayman Islands government has reached out to Cuba and South Korea in a bid to improve medical capacity as it looks beyond the UK for support in the fight against coronavirus.
Hundreds use COVID-19 online assessment
Some 800 people used the government’s digital coronavirus self-assessment tool during its first night online on Monday.
Two new coronavirus cases, community spread confirmed
Public health officials have confirmed two new cases of coronavirus with no links to overseas travel.
Mandatory isolation units for returnees
Anyone who returns to the Cayman Islands on the emergency British Airways flight next week will be confined for 14 days in a government-monitored isolation unit.
Local artistes join #StayhomeCayman call
A team of local musicians have come together to sing the national song “Beloved Isle Cayman” in viral video in an effort to spread government’s call for all residents to stay home.
More than 12,500 left Cayman as border slammed shut
More than 12,500 people left the Cayman Islands in the last week before the airport closure - a net loss of more than 8,000 people.
Banks adopt alphabetical service system
With large lines appearing at Cayman's retail banks, which have reduced opening hours and which have temporarily closed some branches as part of government’s lockdown measures, the banks from today (Tuesday) are adopting the same alphabetical system in use at local supermarkets.
Blood bank open for donations
The Cayman Islands Blood Bank is advising the public that it will remain open for donations and is encouraging members of the public who are eligible to continue to donate blood.
