Topic: coronavirus
How to count days in isolation when testing positive for COVID-19
Public Health guidelines for counting the number of days in isolation when testing positive for COVID-19.
COVID cases on the rise behind bars
31 inmates and 16 prison staff have tested positive for COVID-19, according to prison officials who say the increase in numbers was inevitable, considering the ongoing surge of community spread of the coronavirus.
21 COVID patients in hospital
Twenty-four patients are in hospital with COVID-19, the highest single-day tally so far, according to the latest Public Health statistics.
Vulnerable 5-11 year olds can get vaccinated on Saturday
A one-day vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, 29 Jan., for children aged 5-11 who are medically vulnerable, the Public Health Department has announced.
More than 6,000 active COVID cases in Cayman
As of this past weekend, more than 6,000 people, or one in 12 out of the total population in Cayman, were in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
UK to drop COVID testing for vaccinated travellers
Fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the United Kingdom from 11 Feb. will no longer be required to take a COVID-19 test, Britain's transport minister Grant Shapps announced Monday.
Protestors gather against COVID-19 regulations
More than two dozen people gathered outside the Governor's residence, along West Bay Road on Saturday, in protest of mandatory vaccinations and government imposed COVID-19 regulations.
Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated lead spike in COVID hospitalisations
At last count some 17 individuals remain in hospital with COVID-19 complications most of whom are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr. Autilia Newton has said.
Travellers required to take 3 LFT tests in 6 days
Revised travel regulations stipulate that incoming vaccinated travellers to Cayman are now required to take certified lateral flow tests two, five and seven days after arriving on island. Previously, they had to take tests two, five and 10 days after landing here.
Confirmation PCR tests move to Truman Bodden drive-through
People seeking confirmation PCR tests of positive lateral flow tests can now get them at the drive-through clinic at the Truman Bodden Bodden Sports Complex in George Town, instead of the South Sound Community Centre.
Restrictions on travel for children lifted as Cayman moves to phase 5
Quarantine restrictions for children have been eased, paving the way for families to travel to the Cayman Islands.
5.6% of the population is COVID-positive
More than 5.6% of Cayman’s population is testing positive for COVID-19 as 314 new cases were reported on average each day last week.
The issue explained: COVID restrictions and human rights
The Cayman Compass takes an in-depth look at Cayman's COVID regulations and their impact on human rights and asks if all of the measures taken by government can still be justified as the pandemic enters its third year.
Extended ‘house arrest’ for COVID cases could breach human rights
Hundreds of people in the Cayman Islands may have been kept under ‘house arrest’ for longer than was medically necessary or legally justifiable, according to two senior human rights lawyers.
Quarantine period reduced for COVID
The amount of time people with COVID must spend in quarantine before becoming eligible for an exit test has been cut to seven days for vaccinated people and 10 days for those who have not been vaccinated.
PCR testing expands to other districts
In response to delays and long lines of people waiting to undergo PCR tests at the South Sound Community Centre, Public Health is now offering daily confirmation testing in West Bay and Bodden Town for those who have returned positive lateral flow test results.
COVID hospitalisations double as Omicron surge continues
The number of people in hospital from severe cases of COVID-19 almost doubled over the weekend from 8 to 15.
Premier: Education Minister O’Connor-Connolly in isolation with COVID
Premier Wayne Panton confirmed Monday that Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation.
Behind the front lines: Fighting the pandemic on Cayman’s COVID wards
At the start of every shift, nurse Nadine Douglas pulls on her red scrubs – the colour code that signals maximum exposure to Cayman’s most vulnerable patients. Then she dons a full suit of personal protective equipment – thin blue surgical gown and hair net, chemical-resistant gloves and an N95 face mask covered again with a perspex visor. She looks like she is ready to go to war and in a way, she is.
Cayman to cease daily public reporting of COVID numbers
From next week, Cayman health officials will stop giving daily updates on local COVID numbers, and will move to releasing the information on a weekly basis.
Cayman records 15th COVID death
A 15th person has died from COVID-19-related causes, public health officials announced Friday evening.
2 more COVID-related deaths reported
Two more people have died of COVID-19-related causes, bringing the total number of deaths to 14, Public Health officials reported on Tuesday evening.
New peak of COVID cases in Sister Islands
The more contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus has led to a new high of active COVID-19 cases in the Sister Islands.
Immediate changes to isolation rules
With immediate effect, fully vaccinated people in a household with COVID-positive members are no longer required to isolate so long as they return negative results on lateral flow tests.
Inhumane isolation treatment for children
I was very pleased to see in today’s Compass the publication of the many difficulties and hardships being experienced by residents and visitors alike,...
Cayman’s isolation woes: In their own words
The Cayman Compass invited readers to share their testing and isolation stories with us. Here, in their own words, are some of their stories.
Cayman the ‘envy’ of other countries, says departing COVID chief
In his final interview in Cayman, former Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee argues that Cayman is well placed to face the next phase of COVID-19.
Suspected Omicron cases cross 1,000 mark
Cayman's suspected Omicron cases has crossed the 1000 mark, however official confirmed cases still remained at 89, according to Chief Medical Officer (Interim) Dr. Autilia Newton's latest COVID-19 report released Friday night.
COVID cases among CUC staff lead to head office closure
CUC has closed its doors to in-person customer service at its North Sound headquarters as the ever increasing cases of Omicron and COVID-19 impact its staff.
Cayman’s COVID cases top 10,000 since start of pandemic
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 10,186 positive COVID-19 cases reported in the Cayman Islands, Public Health has stated.
COVID cases rise quickly in the Sister Islands, but hospitalisations drop
In the Sister Islands, the number of COVID infections is rising rapidly with 22 new cases on Wednesday, following 11 positive tests on Tuesday.
Air Canada suspends Cayman and other Caribbean routes
Air Canada is suspending 14 of its Caribbean routes, including to Grand Cayman, until at least the end of April, in light of a surge in COVID-19 cases and associated government regulations in the region, the airline has announced.
Caribbean tourism association calls for reduced isolation periods
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is calling on the region's governments to come to a consensus to reduce isolation periods for travellers to seven days, in a bid to help the Caribbean's tourism sector to recover.
491 new cases of COVID reported since New Year’s Eve
Nearly 500 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since New Year's Eve, according to the latest update from Public Health.
COVID-19 vaccination schedule January 2022
The Public Health Department has published the latest schedule for the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for January 2022.
Cayman reports 137 new COVID cases; total possible Omicron numbers stand at 376
Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr. Autilia Newton reported 137 new cases of COVID-19, nine in travellers and 128 from the community on Friday, 31 December.
Half of COVID positives are suspected Omicron cases
Confirmed or suspected Omicron cases are on the rise in Cayman. The new COVID variant is suspected to be behind 341 cases since 21 Dec., compared with a total reported 729 positive PCR test results during that time.
When all you want for Christmas is a negative PCR test…
Cayman Compass news editor Caroline James was one of 3,500 people who spent Christmas this year in quarantine. Here, she shares a glimpse into how she refused to let COVID-19 derail the holiday.
Cayman reports a 12th COVID death
There has been a 12th death from COVID-19 Public Health officials noted on Thursday. No further details were provided regarding this person's age or vaccination status.
Holland America cruise ship among 88 flagged by CDC for COVID cases
The Holland America cruise ship, whose stop in Grand Cayman was cancelled this week, is now among 88 cruise ships under investigation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for onboard COVID-19 cases.
Omicron cases double since Christmas Eve
The number of COVID-19 Omicron variant cases in Cayman has more than doubled since Public Health last released figures on Christmas Eve, with confirmed or suspected cases of the new strain standing at 242 as of Wednesday, 29 Dec.
Cayman considering CDC’s revised guidelines, and others, on isolation policies
Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr. Autilia Newton says the Cayman Islands is "taking into consideration" new guidelines by the US Centers on Disease Control and Prevention on reduced isolation requirements for COVID-positive individuals, as well as guidance from other entities internationally.
Omicron cases climb to 103
Public Health reported on Christmas Eve that the total number of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 Omicron cases has risen to 103.
HSA adds more staff to ease vaccination queues
In response to complaints about long waiting times for vaccinations and testing at its new clinic site, the Health Services Authority says it has put on more staff to deal with registration.
East End MP among Cayman’s rising number of suspected Omicron cases
Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr. Autilia Newton reported 18 newly-suspected Omicron cases on Thursday, bringing the total suspected cases of the variant to 72.
Two further COVID-related deaths, as suspected Omicron cases reach 54
Two more deaths from COVID-19 were reported on Tuesday, in the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, bringing Cayman's total number of deaths connected to the virus to 11.
UK regulator approves Pfizer vaccines for 5-11 year olds
British regulators on Wednesday approved the use of a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old, paving the way for kids in that age group in Cayman to be vaccinated.
‘Cinderella’ variant frustrates club owners
Nightclub and bar owners have been left frustrated, confused and out of pocket by new COVID restrictions which they say effectively shut down the festive party scene.
13 new suspected Omicron cases reported
Chief Medical Officer (Interim) Dr. Autilia Newton reported 13 new suspected Omicron cases in her latest COVID-19 update, bringing the total number of confirmed or potential cases of the highly contagious variant to 48.
Year in review: Cayman’s COVID bubble burst
In 2021 Cayman experienced, and is still in the midst of, its first true wave of community transmission of COVID-19.
Suspected Omicron cases rise to 31
Public Health is examining eight new suspected Omicron cases, bringing the total potential cases of the highly contagious COVID-19 variant to 31.
The issue explained: Vaccine mandates, workplace testing and COVID sick pay
The Cayman Islands is navigating new territory when it comes to mandatory vaccinations in the workplace, COVID testing policies and sick leave for locked-down workers. Today we investigate some of the key questions around labour relations in the COVID era.
Need to Know: Pre-travel testing requirements by country
Here are the requirements, as of 17 Dec., for vaccinated travellers heading to some of the destinations to which there are direct flights from Cayman.
Midnight bar closure in force immediately, 3 new Omicron cases confirmed
Bars and nightclubs must close by midnight from Friday onwards with new COVID regulations, announced Thursday taking effect immediately. The news came as 3 new cases of the contagious Omicron variant were reported.
Silent nights: Christmas parties and events cancelled amid COVID anxiety
Cayman is preparing for a subdued Christmas with the festive social scene falling victim to the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID reported on Brac for first time this month
Health officials have announced 26 new cases of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands, including one on Cayman Brac – the first case to be reported there since 30 Nov.
10 more Omicron cases suspected, after positive traveller in community for 2 days
As of Thursday, one person in Cayman had been confirmed to have the Omicron variant, and 10 others were suspected cases, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez stated at a press briefing.
Work-from-home plea amid Omicron fears
Government announced new restrictions on night-life and urged people to work from home where possible as the island’s first cases of the contagious Omicron variant were revealed.
29 new positive COVID cases reported
In her Wednesday, 15 Dec. update of COVID cases, Chief Medical Officer (Interim) Dr. Autilia Newton reported 29 new positive cases, including two among travellers and 27 in the community.
Omicron variant found in traveller
The Omicron variant of the virus which causes COVID-19 has been detected, through genomic sequencing, in a test sample from a traveller in quarantine in the Cayman Islands.
No requirement for employers to pay quarantined workers
Employers are under no legal obligation to provide additional sick days or work-from-home arrangements to workers in mandatory quarantine, government officials have confirmed.
47 new COVID cases reported
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported on Tuesday that there were 47 new positive cases of COVID-19, comprising 45 in the community and two travellers.
No Omicron in Cayman, as Sister Islands mark zero active cases
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed on Monday that no cases of the Omicron variant have been detected on island.
HSA addresses delays, inaccurate data on vaccination QR codes
To address complaints that some COVID vaccination records are not being immediately updated or are inaccurate, the Health Services Authority has issued a form through which individuals, such as those planning to travel soon, can request that updating their QR codes be expedited.
Governor pays tribute to ‘Cayman icon and hero’ Dr. John Lee
Governor Martyn Roper and Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee were out running together again this weekend, to mark the end of Lee's tenure as the Islands' most senior medical advisor.
HSA COVID vaccination and testing clinics have relocated
The Health Services Authority’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic and PCR and Certified LFT Testing Clinics have moved to a larger premises.
COVID-19 vaccination schedule December 2021
The Public Health Department has published the latest schedule for the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for December 2021.
Cayman shortens pre-departure testing period for arriving passengers
Government issued new COVID-19 travel regulations which will reduce the COVID-19 testing window for arriving passengers from 72 hours to no earlier than the day before departure.
Share of positive COVID tests plummets; 80% fully vaccinated
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported only 30 positive COVID-19 cases out of 1,132 PCR tests carried out from 8am Thursday to 8am Friday.
Newborn baby among COVID cases
A newborn baby was among 10 children aged under 1 who tested positive for COVID-19 in a single week, Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Hazel Brown revealed in her latest weekly report on the virus.
Early BioNTech, Pfizer data suggests boosters may protect against Omicron infection
BioNTech and Pfizer said on Wednesday a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was able to neutralise the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test, an early signal that booster shots could be key to protection against infection from the newly identified variant.
70 new COVID cases reported
According to the latest COVID-19 update, there are 70 new positive cases in Cayman – 68 within the local community and two involving travellers.
