Topic: coronavirus
Johnson imposes COVID-19 ‘Plan B’ in England to contain Omicron
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed tougher COVID-19 restrictions in England on Wednesday, ordering people to work from home, wear masks in public places and use vaccine passes in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
61 new COVID cases reported
The Public Health Department has reported 61 new cases of COVID-19.
Two more COVID-related deaths reported
Two more people have died from COVID-19, the Ministry of Health announced Monday, as it reported 127 new positive cases in Cayman.
The issue explained: Boosters, variants and COVID immunity
The feared Omicron variant of COVID-19 is “knocking on the door” and will be difficult to keep out of the Cayman Islands, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee acknowledged as he urged residents to get their booster shot.
85 new COVID-19 cases reported; 14 patients in hospital
Eight-five people tested positive for COVID-19 from the latest batch of 1,006 PCR tests, according to a Government Information Services statement.
7th COVID-related death reported
A seventh person with COVID-19 has died in Cayman, health officials reported Thursday.
New rules require contacts of COVID-positive travellers to isolate
Household members and primary contacts of travellers who test positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Cayman are now required to isolate for at least 14 days and take a PCR test, Public Health announced as part of new rules implemented in response to the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant.
Sixth COVID-related death, 89 positive cases reported
Cayman recorded a sixth COVID-related death on Wednesday, as the jurisdiction's active cases and the number of hospitalisations have started to drop off.
161 positive community cases reported
161 positive results - all coming from the community - were reported in Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee's Tuesday update.
‘Almost zero’ additional risk in allowing kids to travel to Cayman
There would be “almost zero” additional risk to Cayman in allowing children to come to the island, a doctor and tourism business owner has claimed.
Cayman marks fifth COVID-related death, as 336 new positive cases confirmed
An unvaccinated 71 year old with "multiple comorbidities" has become Cayman's fifth COCID-related death.
Court action dropped as government agrees to honour test order
A Cayman Islands medical supplies company confirmed Monday it plans to drop its lawsuit against government, saying officials have now agreed to honour an order for 500,000 lateral flow test kits.
COVID vaccine boosters available to over-30s
People aged 30 and over can now get their COVID-19 booster shots, and the doses will be available to all adults of 18 and over from Tuesday, 7 Dec., the Public Health Department has announced.
Pop-up COVID testing centres open at hotels
Pop-up Covid testing centres are being established in hotels across Grand Cayman to make it easier for tourists to be screened for the virus.
Travel authorisation delays causing headaches
With Travel Cayman dealing with 600-800 new travel applications a day, travellers are complaining of stress and frustration as they await last-minute approvals.
Negative on one test, positive on another? Here’s why…
A combination of PCR and rapid antigen (lateral flow) testing is being used across Cayman to identify and isolate people with COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread throughout the islands. Today we investigate the differences between the two tests and the results they produce.
Cayman bans travel from 9 African countries and Belgium over new COVID variant
The Cayman Islands is restricting incoming travel from nine countries in southern Africa and Belgium in Europe, after cases of a new variant of COVID-19, named Omicron, were found there.
25 in hospital as 139 new COVID cases reported
The latest COVID-19 statistics show that, of 991 PCR tests taken on Thursday, there were a total of 139 new positive cases recorded, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee.
27 hospitalised as 138 community positives reported
There are now 27 people in hospital, as of 8am Thursday, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee's latest update, which is one fewer than at the same time on Wednesday.
New COVID-19 variant triggers global alarm as WHO urges caution
Global authorities reacted with alarm on Friday to a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with the EU and Britain among those tightening border controls as researchers sought to find out if the mutation was vaccine-resistant.
Calls to axe exit test amid lengthy quarantine nightmares
Public health chiefs are facing calls to drop the “exit test” for people in isolation amid concerns that some Cayman residents are being confined to their homes for up to six weeks.
Analysis: Waiting for the COVID-19 tide to turn
There are some signs that the current wave of COVID-19 cases in Cayman may be levelling out, but it will take more time for case numbers to fall significantly.
175 new local COVID cases reported
The latest update on COVID numbers in Cayman shows 176 new cases, bringing the total number of active cases in the islands to 4,140.
Cayman’s active COVID cases level out
The Public Health department reported 192 positive results from 1,382 COVID tests on Tuesday.
Pines resident among new hospital COVID admissions
A resident of the Pines Retirement Home is among six new COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee stated in his latest update on Tuesday.
DEH urges public to dispose of lateral flow tests safely
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a cautionary warning to the public, urging extra care when disposing of lateral flow tests.
Cayman’s COVID wave not turning yet, as active cases climb to 4,047
The number of active COVID-19 cases in the Cayman Islands continued to increase to 4,047 over the weekend.
Travellers encounter issues on first day of new COVID testing protocols
With some 700 people seeking COVID testing Monday at health facilities across the islands, there were a few teething problems as the first day of testing got under way, following the reopening of Cayman's borders this weekend.
23 hospitalisations as 559 positive cases reported over weekend
559 positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded at 8am on Monday morning, comprising six travellers and 553 from the community, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported on Monday evening.
Ticketable COVID breaches, $10K fines for testing non-compliance take effect
Cayman's updated COVID-19 regulations are now in effect and it comes with the introduction of a $10,000 fine for anyone failing to comply lateral flow testing as required on day two, five and ten.
Pines Retirement Home closed to public after COVID cases detected
The Pines Retirement Home has closed its doors to visitors until further notice after "a number" of COVID-19 cases were discovered among the elderly residents there, Lynda Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at the Home confirmed Saturday afternoon.
21 hospitalised, as 170 community COVID cases recorded
There were 170 positive results from the community out of 1,518 PCR tests conducted between 8am Thursday and 8am Friday, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported on Friday.
Lee: Hospitalisations ‘steady’ as 206 more COVID cases recorded
While the spike in community COVID-19 cases continues to be a concern, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee said hospitalisations due to the virus have been "relatively steady" over the last 10 days to two weeks.
Premier: ‘Cayman is ready to reopen’
Premier Wayne Panton insisted Thursday that Cayman is “ready” to reopen to tourism despite the surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the islands.
How will lateral flow testing work for verified vaccinated travellers?
When Phase 4 of government's reopening plan comes into force on Saturday, 20 Nov., verified vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to quarantine. Instead, they will be required to undergo a lateral flow test on days 2, 5 and 10 of their stay.
Cayman celebrates the life of ‘local fishing legend’
Mark Everett Stanley, Sr. will go down as Cayman’s first ‘COVID victim’ of 2021. But to his friends and family, he was much more than that.
Confirmed COVID-19 total cases surpass 5,000
Cayman's COVID-19 tally has crossed the 5,000 mark, as a further 239 cases were recorded Wednesday, 236 of which were community positives plus three...
More than 200 COVID cases a day in second week of November
Last week the Cayman Islands has seen an average of 202 positive COVID cases a day and a weekly total of 1,413.
21 in hospital as active COVID cases reach 3,340
Although Cayman's active COVID-19 cases have now reached 3,340, only 21 of those individuals have required hospitalisation, the latest update from the Health Ministry has confirmed.
COVID contingency: Cayman’s field hospital ready ‘by Christmas time’
Cayman will recommission a field hospital, set up in May last year, to prepare for a potential increase in patients requiring care, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has confirmed.
CMO confirms second COVID death over long weekend
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has confirmed the passing of a second COVID patient over the long weekend.
Condolences offered for COVID-19 patient who died in hospital
Governor Martyn Roper, Premier Wayne Panton and Opposition Leader, Roy McTaggart, have all offered condolences to the family of 73 year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 but died due to an undisclosed, underlying illness.
UCCI suspends classroom learning after positive COVID-19 case
The University College of the Cayman Islands has transitioned to online learning after one student tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 patient dies from pre-existing health conditions
A 73-year-old unvaccinated male who had tested positive for COVID-19 died at Cayman Islands Hospital on Saturday, 13 Nov., making it the first coronavirus-related death since the start of 2021.
Thousands in isolation as COVID-19 numbers climb
Almost 4,000 people across the Cayman Islands are currently in isolation in their homes or at government facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to increase.
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Health Minister: Be mindful of COVID-19 during long weekend
Health Minister Sabrina Turner is urging residents to be mindful of potentially contracting or spreading the coronavirus during remembrance day celebrations.
Premier: ‘Not bothered’ by CDC advisory, hospitalisations low despite COVID spike
Premier Wayne Panton has said while the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control's advisory against Cayman is "regrettable" he is not worried that it will have a negative impact on visitors coming here when borders unlock next week.
COVID drug not yet available to Cayman
Efforts are under way to find alternative sources of the recently approved COVID-19 drug molnupiravir, as Cayman is unable to get supplies of the pill from the United Kingdom, according to Health Services Authority Chief Pharmacist Colin Medford.
186 new COVID cases reported
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has reported that, as of 8am Thursday, 1,098 PCR tests had been conducted in the past 24 hours, with the Public Health Department confirming there were 186 positive results.
Chinese, Indian vaccines added to Cayman’s approved vaccine list
Chinese vaccines Sinopharm, Sinovac and the Serum Institute of India version ‘Covishield’ have now been added to Cayman's approved COVID-19 vaccine list paving the way for a wider scope of visitors to return to these shores.
Three in critical care, 325 new cases reported
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported that, as of 8am Wednesday, 1,413 PCR tests had been conducted in the 24 hours since Tuesday, with the Public Health Department confirming there were 325 positive results.
More than two-thirds of COVID cases unvaccinated
The overwhelming majority of COVID cases and most COVID-related hospitalisations in Cayman affect the unvaccinated.
Vaccine clinics close as Pfizer doses run out
The Public Health Department has confirmed that the Islands' supply of Pfizer vaccines has been fully utilised, due to "the success in the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine over recent weeks".
69 new local COVID cases reported
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has reported that as of 8am Tuesday, 1,259 PCR tests had been conducted in the 24 hours since Monday, with the Public Health Department confirming there were 73 positive results.
Tourism Ministry: CDC advisory will not ‘negatively impact’ sector
The Tourism Ministry has called the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory against travelling to the Cayman Islands "regrettable", but says raising the jurisdiction to level 4 – very high risk of COVID-19 – does not mean the industry will be "negatively affected".
Active COVID cases cross 2,000 mark
Cayman's active COVID-19 cases reached a new high of 2,118, as a record 669 new community cases were logged by Public Health from 8am Friday to 8am Monday.
CDC moves Cayman to highest risk travel category
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has moved the Cayman Islands to the Level 4 list of countries with a very high level of COVID-19, and is advising against travel to the region.
COVID contingency: Testing key to keeping frontline workers in action
Regular testing, enhanced staffing and overtime are among the measures being introduced to keep emergency services fully operational as COVID-19 cases continue to escalate.
Cayman the world’s hotspot for COVID infections
The Cayman Islands is currently the world’s hotspot for new COVID-19 cases.
Vaccination of kids under 12 in Cayman will depend on UK regulator
The Cayman Islands government is seeking to secure COVID vaccines for 5- to 11-year olds, but a vaccination programme will first require UK regulatory approval of a vaccine for children.
194 community COVID cases reported in latest update
There have been 194 positive COVID-19 test results from the community, as of 8am on Friday, since the last report from Public Health the day before.
75 community cases of COVID reported in latest update
As of 9am on Thursday, 4 Nov., there have been 2,557 positives across the Cayman Islands since March 2020, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee.
125 new local cases reported, 11 now in hospital
The Public Health Department reported 125 new local transmission cases of COVID-19 in Cayman, bringing the islands' total active cases to 1,421. Three more people have been hospitalised, meaning there are now 11 people with the virus in hospital.
Britain approves Merck’s COVID-19 pill in world first
Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve a potentially game-changing COVID-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by U.S.-based Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic.
Teachers, uniformed services staff to get booster shots
Public Health announced Thursday that teachers, police, fire officers, prison and Customs and Border Control staff are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccination boosters.
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.
111 new local COVID reports, bringing active cases to 1,299
In its latest update, the Public Health Department reported 111 new local COVID cases, bringing the total number of active cases in the Cayman Islands to 1,299.
Explainer: What to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for children
The COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 from Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
418 community positive COVID cases reported; 8 in hospital
437 total positive COVID-19 results have been reported up to 8am on Monday, comprising 418 community cases and 19 travellers according to an update from the Public Health Department.
70 COVID cases on Sister Islands
There are currently 70 active COVID-19 cases on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, according to statistics from the Brac's Faith Hospital.
Positive COVID-19 passenger charged for travelling to Cayman
A 28-year-old woman is due to make an initial Summary Court appearance on Tuesday, 2 Nov., on a charge of breach of COVID-19 suppression regulations, for travelling to Cayman, despite having tested positive for COVID-19.
WHO encourages reporting of vaccine side-effects
The World Health Organization has launched a week-long social media campaign to promote the importance of reporting suspected side-effects following vaccination.
