Topic: COVID-19
Amendment proposes higher fines for COVID-19 breaches
A proposed amendment to the Public Health Law could see fines for COVID-19 breaches increased from $1,000 to $10,000 as government moves closer to its phased border reopening.
Consumer prices up 1% in the second quarter
Consumer prices increased by 1% in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2019, as higher food and drinks prices were mostly offset by lower fuel and transportation costs.
COVID update: One new case in latest results
The Cayman Islands has one new case of COVID-19, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced today.
Cuba punches above weight with ‘white coat army’ during pandemic
Nearly 40 countries across five continents have received Cuban medics during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the island nation - home to just over 11 million inhabitants - has once more punched far above its weight in medical diplomacy.
Woman with COVID-19 briefly released from quarantine, re-isolated
One of Cayman’s two latest COVID-19 cases was released from quarantine and later had to be recalled into isolation, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee has confirmed.
Radiation on trial in Florida as COVID-19 treatment
Researchers in the United States are exploring the potential for a low-dose radiation treatment to alleviate symptoms in COVID-19 patients who develop pneumonia. Doctors are hopeful the treatment could work in an anti-inflammatory manner and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
Students facing new norms as schools reopen
After nearly a week of phased-in returns of students across all public schools, pupils are back in their classrooms where they have been greeted with several new health and safety requirements.
New arrival thankful for all involved with quarantine
I just wanted to write a message to pass on my thanks to everyone involved with Travel Time, airport arrivals, the police and quarantine...
Praise for Cayman’s COVID response
Unlike the US, we must applaud the Cayman Islands authorities for their understanding and respect for each other’s life as COVID-19 rages throughout the...
No positive results in latest COVID-19 test batch
A day after government lifted restrictions on social distancing and the wearing of face masks, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported Cayman's latest streak of COVID-19-negative test results continued.
Cayman joins line-up for COVID-19 vaccines
Cayman is one of 150 countries that have signed up for the global COVAX facility which will allow for guaranteed, equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, Health Minister Dwayne Seymour said on Tuesday.
Mask requirements lifted, public gatherings increase under new COVID-19 rules
New COVID-19-suppression regulations, set to be announced today, will see the lifting of masks requirements for inside public places and changes to public-gathering limitations including weddings and funerals.
Latest COVID tests all return negative results
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported on Monday afternoon that of the 264 COVID-19 tests carried out since Friday, 21 Aug., all have returned negative results.
2 positive COVID cases reported among incoming travellers
For the first time in 37 days, Cayman Islands health officials have announced that there are two new positive COVID-19 cases among the latest batch of tests.
COVID antibodies found in 2.5% of tests
Health officials stated today that 2.5% of people who have undergone COVID-19 antibody tests have previously had the virus.
Members of public can book free COVID tests online
From today (17 Aug.), members of the public can schedule their free COVID screening tests online via a new appointment booking system launched by the Health Services Authority.
35 days of COVID-free test results
None of the latest batch of COVID-19 tests have returned positive, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee, as Cayman continues its streak of coronavirus-free days.
Finance Minister: No direct taxation considered
Refuting reports that direct taxation may be needed to deal with the fiscal impact of a global economic recession, Finance Minister Roy McTaggart said Cayman’s “indirect tax regime is well established and supports robust levels of economic activity".
Finding love under the shadow of a pandemic
COVID-19 has changed many things, including how people interact and socialise, and it is impacting Cayman’s local dating scene.
COVID-19 takes toll on relationships
Relationships by nature are stressful but throw a pandemic into the mix, add a dash of hefty restrictions and the result is a cocktail for heartbreak, as some couples are now discovering.
More restrictions may be lifted as Cayman remains COVID-free for a month
Cayman could see a further lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as early as next week after a month of no new coronavirus cases.
Study ranks face masks from best to worst
Researchers at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, have tested the effectiveness of a variety of masks, using a simple droplet experiment to determine...
30 days without positives; Cayman’s COVID level moves from ‘sporadic’ to ‘no cases’
Cayman has officially marked 30 days of no COVID-19 cases and with it came a change in the Pan-American Health Organization's transmission level for the country from 'sporadic' to 'no cases'.
Travel in a COVID-19 world
Countries throughout the world have introduced specific entry requirements for anyone crossing their borders, as governments continue to grapple with COVID-19.
Cayman continues COVID-free streak
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported 128 negative test results and zero positive results for the novel coronavirus on Tuesday.
No new cases in latest batch of COVID tests
Cayman has started another week with no active COVID-19 cases as the latest batch of tests have return negative results.
25 days of negative COVID-19 results
Cayman has marked 25 consecutive days without a positive COVID-19 result, as of Friday, 7 Aug. Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported that the latest 191 PCR tests were all negative.
Time lost on temporary work permits to be recompensed
Following a cabinet directive Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) has commenced recompensing time loss on temporary work permits impacted by government’s “shelter in place” restrictions.
Daily COVID-19 tests return negative results
Cayman continued its negative COVID-19 tests stretch Tuesday as no new cases were reported in the latest batch of tests, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee.
No new COVID cases for 14 days
The Cayman Islands has gone 14 days without a single positive COVID-19 case, health officials confirmed Monday.
Eastern district businesses find innovative ways to survive
With Cayman’s borders still closed to international travel, businesses are having to make some tough and innovative decisions.
Cayman’s active COVID-19 cases down to zero
All of Cayman's COVID-19 cases now have fully recovered and the latest batch of tests have returned only negative results.
Government releases more details on ‘BioButton’
The Cayman Islands government said Thursday it is working with a US biotech company called BioIntelliSense to use its health monitoring 'BioButton' device as part of Cayman's phased border reopening plan.
Cancer patient fights COVID
Being strong in the face of adversity is not a new concept for cancer patient Winston Powell, so when he was diagnosed with COVID-19, it was no surprise that he drew on his strength to fight the virus and keep his family’s morale up.
Gov’t considering extension of health insurance payment scheme
Health Minister Dwayne Seymour has said government is considering an extension of its health insurance payment assistance programme.
COVID fears could impact Cayman’s cancer cases
Local cancer experts are projecting a potential spike in newly diagnosed, late-stage cancer cases amid concerns that people were reluctant to visit their doctors during the COVID lockdown.
Fact check: Knowns and unknowns about COVID-19
For everything we currently know about the novel coronavirus, many more aspects remain to be revealed and understood. Here are some of the areas where COVID-19 knowledge has evolved or where unknowns remain.
COVID-19 cases remain low, as no new positives reported
All 117 COVID-19 tests reported by Cayman’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee, on Thursday were negative.
Active COVID-19 cases remain at 2
No new positive COVID-19 test results were reported Wednesday by Cayman’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee. A total of 287 COVID-19 tests were included in Wednesday’s results, all of which were negative.
Insurance companies: Premium invoices submitted to government
Health Minister Dwayne Seymour and the Cayman Islands Health Insurance Association have sought to allay concerns that people who have applied for government assistance in paying health insurance premiums are adequately covered.
COVID lockdown pushes imports increase
Online shopping during COVID-19 restrictions fuelled an increase in imports, as the Customs and Border Control agency reported a record-breaking amount of imported goods.
Cancer and COVID
While medical professionals continue to analyse the COVID-19 strain, it is clear those with compromised immune systems – like cancer patients – are at risk, and local patients are not chancing contracting the virus.
Stingray City, Sandbar unlocked for tour operators
Commercial vessels with wildlife interaction zone (WIZ) licences for Stingray City and the Sandbar can now access the popular sites under specified conditions, according to new regulations released Friday evening.
Cayman continues its streak of COVID-free test results
The streak of no new COVID-19 cases continues as Medical Officer for Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez reported 437 negative results Friday, according to a Government Information Services press release.
Starfish emerge in numbers in North Side
Popular nature attraction Starfish Point has seen a resurgence of its namesake animal during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the Department of Environment is urging the public to take extra care when visiting the site.
Mixed emotions as 270 Indian nationals depart Cayman
It was a bittersweet moment for many of the 270 Indian nationals as they left Grand Cayman Friday on the first Indian airbridge flight organized by the Governor’s Office and Cayman Islands government.
Hurricane evacuations unlikely
As the country prepares for what is expected to be an active hurricane season at a time when borders remain closed both locally and internationally, there are concerns that evacuation flights will not be an option if a large storm heads Cayman’s way.
108 days: Inside Cayman’s COVID-19 response
The National Emergency Operation Centre has been the central organ coordinating Cayman’s COVID-19 response for 108 days and has since been deactivated. The Cayman Compass takes a look inside the operations of the entity behind the response.
Summer camps and daycares to open 5 July
Schools and daycare facilities will begin reopening on 5 July, as Cayman moves into Suppression Level 2 of the COVID-19 crisis. Eased public health protocol, announced by Premier Alden McLaughlin on 17 June, will allow tutoring centres, preschools, summer camps and bible schools to receive children in person.
Sir John A. Cumber students urged to ‘aim high amidst the storm’
Sir John A Cumber Primary School held a special virtual Year 6 school leaving ceremony which was broadcast live on YouTube. It was the first of its kind for the West Bay school.
Postal Service extends operations
The Postal Service has said it will be extending its opening days as of next week.
Churches welcome reopening with praise and precautions
After three months of lockdown, local churches will be allowed to reopen their doors on Sunday for worship as Cayman enters Level 2 (minimal suppression) on government’s COVID-19 control tier.
COVID-19 brings new pollution challenge
With face masks now mandatory in many indoor areas during the COVID-19 crisis, the careless dumping of these disposable items has become the latest...
Schools to reopen in September
Cayman’s schools are set to reopen in September, Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed Wednesday.
No new cases of COVID-19 for second straight day
For a second consecutive day Cayman has recorded no new cases of COVID-19.
Premier: Border reopening proving ‘great challenge’
Government continues to maintain 1 Sept. as the date to reopen Cayman's borders to international travellers, while acknowledging the process poses a 'great challenge'.
Stem cell study aims to fight the COVID-19 ‘storm’
Through a new stem cell treatment, Dr. Javier Perez says doctors at Baptist Health and Miami Cancer Institute hope to control the magnitude of COVID-19 ‘storms’ and mitigate the virus’s effects in the most severely affected patients.
Nicaraguan borders remain closed, but some nationals allowed in
Stranded Nicaraguan residents in Cayman are hopeful they may be able to return home soon, as their government has begun accepting a select few of its residents back across its border.
New sanitation guidelines for tourism industry published
New sanitation guidelines have been issued for businesses within the tourism industry to ensure the safety of visitors to local shores and guard against the spread of COVID-19.
RBC Royal Bank announces second phase of relief options
RBC Royal Bank is offering financial-relief options for its personal-banking clients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with measures including payment deferrals on auto and instalment loans, as well as mortgages.
Three pregnant women among those who beat COVID-19
Three pregnant women were among Cayman’s positive COVID-19 cases, according to statistical data released by Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee.
West Bay church helps to feed the needy
The Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church in West Bay is one of several churches that have stepped up to help assist members of their community during these difficult times.
Police: Crime drops by a third during COVID-19 crisis
Overall crime in the Cayman Islands fell by nearly a third while COVID-19 hard and soft curfew restrictions were in place between the last week of March and the end of May, according to statistics released Friday by police.
Gov’t issues RFP for $500M line of credit
Government has issued a request for proposal for a standby line of credit of $500 million which it intends to use as a contingency plan should its reserves be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism accommodations pay out millions in refunds
Cayman’s accommodation sector seemed to be on track for another profitable year at the start of 2020, but this came to a screeching halt with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last three months, those within the industry say they have refunded millions of dollars in rental bookings.
RFA Argus crew runs through hurricane response on Colliers Beach
Royal Navy officers from RFA Argus sprang into action Thursday as officers initiated a medical evacuation scenario as they executed a mock response exercise at the scenic Colliers Beach in East End.
Let overseas students self-isolate at Christmas
While for the most part I have been in agreement with how everything has been handled during this pandemic, I have recently found myself...
Four new COVID-19 cases reported
Cayman’s COVID-19 cases have increased by four, according to the latest test results released by Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee on Wednesday.
Vampt Motors reports one case of COVID-19
A staff member at Vampt Motors has tested positive for coronavirus, the company stated on Wednesday.
OECD: Extraordinary policies needed to overcome recession
World economic output is forecast to plummet 7.6% this year, before climbing back 2.8% in 2021, if a second outbreak of COVID-19 triggers a return to lockdown measures. If a second wave of infections is avoided, global economic activity is expected to fall by 6% in 2020 and OECD unemployment to climb to 9.2% from 5.4% in 2019.
Cayman Wine Fairies spread the joy of gifting
What started as a group of friends coming together in Facebook as the Cayman Wine Fairies to support each other through the fallout of coronavirus restrictions, has become a movement of women paying it forward through anonymous gifting.
2,700 unemployed tourism workers apply for help
Nearly 3,000 people left without work amid the collapse of the tourism industry have applied for a stipend from government. They are being offered $1,000 a month for up to three months to help get them through the lean period ahead.
