Topic: COVID
Compass in times of crisis
In the newspaper’s 60-year history, it has always been a trusted source of news to inform the people of the Cayman Islands.
This was of...
COVID-19 no longer Cayman’s main respiratory infection
COVID-19 is no longer the leading respiratory threat in the Cayman Islands, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent, who says the virus has now 'settled into the mix' alongside other common illnesses.
2025 Year in review: Reform, risk and response in Cayman health
In 2025, Cayman’s health system turned toward structural reform, prevention and access, as chronic disease, rising mental health demand and global health risks dominated the headlines.
COVID booster delivery hit by UK supply delay
Even though a seasonal increase in COVID cases is expected in the coming weeks there is no word on when Cayman will receive its supply of booster shots.
‘Stay home if sick’ warning as respiratory illnesses rise
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent has said that respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, has increased in the Cayman Islands, and he is advising those with symptoms to remain at home.
Post-pandemic baby boom fuelling childcare space crisis
A post-COVID baby boom has seen birth rates jump by 25% since the pandemic, putting pressure on already-stretched childcare services.
COVID-19 vaccines transition to seasonal shots
The Public Health Department says it will now transition from administering COVID-19 vaccines monthly to offering them seasonally.
COVID boosters likely to be seasonal for vulnerable patients
Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Gent says he is currently reevaluating Cayman's COVID vaccination and booster plans with the intention of making the jab part of the island's seasonal immunization programme for the vulnerable.
New director looks to expand Cayman connections overseas
During the height of the COVID pandemic, Ashlea Smith and many other Caymanians living overseas relied on the support of the Cayman Connection, a UK-based not-for-profit organisation.
Cayman tourism bounces back – with a premium price tag
Rental cars are selling out, boat trips are being booked weeks in advance and hotel rooms are in demand across the Cayman Islands. As Spring Break approaches, tourism leaders say the pandemic is finally in the rearview mirror.
Fresh batch of flu vaccine expected by end of January
While cases of flu like symptoms are on the rise in Cayman local supplies of the flu vaccine are on the decline, however the Health Services Authority has said a fresh shipment of doses will be heading our way soon.
Issues 2023: Ten top themes to watch over the year ahead
Cayman Compass issues editor James Whittaker looks at some of the key challenges, themes and opportunities facing the islands in the year ahead.
A very sneezy Christmas in store amid ‘viral siege’
It is going to be a sniffly Christmas for many in Cayman amid a 'viral siege' that is leaving doctors' offices full and pharmacy aisles empty.
New health chief flags looming spike in COVID cases
A week into his new role as Cayman's Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Gent has said he expects a rise in local COVID transmissions in coming weeks and months.
Cayman set to announce COVID regulation changes
Premier Wayne Panton, on Friday, is expected to announce new changes to the remaining COVID-19 regulations, a Government Information Services notice has said.
Slow payments marred government’s COVID-relief effort
A patchwork of hastily assembled COVID-relief programmes were inconsistently managed and payments to those in need were often late, according to an internal government report.
Quarantine exit testing to end
Starting tomorrow, 30 June, those ending the required quarantine period after having tested positive for COVID will no longer need an exit test to end their isolation.
COVID costs Cayman $333 million
Over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has cost the Cayman Islands government at least $333 million, an auditor general’s report has found.
Tourism operators weigh value of returning cruise passengers
Over the past month, commuters along Seafarers Way in George Town have grumbled about busy intersections now packed with tourists. It’s an all-too-familiar sign that cruise ship passengers are back, after a two-year government-imposed ban due to COVID.
‘Miracle’ helps save baby Imani after suspected COVID complications
A toddler, who suffered severe lung issues believed to be linked to the COVID-19 virus, successfully underwent life-saving surgery in Jamaica on Monday night.
Our world in 2022: Ten trends that could shape the year ahead
The key issues in 2022 are likely to centre on how Cayman moves on from the worst of the pandemic and adapts its policies on quarantine and testing, travel and tourism, and its healthcare infrastructure to adjust to the long-term reality of life with COVID.
Health officials shut down party as Omicron cases climb
Public Health has confirmed community transmission of the highly transmissible Omicron variant as suspected cases climbed to 23.
‘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.
One mum’s story: Surviving quarantine with a toddler
Melanie Thomas spent three weeks in quarantine with her daughter Avery, before the 2-year-old was cleared to go back to nursery. In a guest...
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.
Border reopening on hold as local COVID cases rise
Cayman is putting its border reopening plan on hold, as health officials announce that a total of eight people have contracted COVID-19 through community transmission.
Parents’ verdict: ‘Concerned over possible school closures’
We asked readers - particularly parents of school age children - what they thought of the prospect of the Cayman Islands reopening to visitors in October.
COVID anxiety casts shadow over school opening
Anxiety over the potential threat of COVID in classrooms is casting a shadow over the new school term.
Panic buying clears shelves after COVID announcement
Caymanian shoppers rushed to local supermarkets to stock up on toilet roll, disinfectants and hand sanitiser following news on Thursday of two locally transmitted COVID-19 cases.
Delta variant found in two quarantined travellers
The COVID-19 Delta variant has been detected through genomic sequencing in the samples of two travellers currently in quarantine in the Cayman Islands, a government statement said.
Tourism leaders seek clear path to reopening
Tourism business leaders are hoping that vaccination passes for visitors can allow the Cayman Islands to welcome back tourists this summer.
Marc Langevin, president of...
Families suffering through ‘forgotten crisis’
The Cayman Islands is still in the midst of a forgotten humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of families facing Christmas without the means to pay for power, water or food, a charity leader has warned.
Bermuda facing second wave of COVID-19
Bermuda is experiencing a second wave of the coronavirus, with indoor bars and schools forced to shut their doors amid a fresh outbreak of the virus.
Jobs cut as Dart scales back hotel operations amid COVID impact
The Dart group is scaling back operations at The Ritz-Carlton and Kimpton Seafire resorts in a move that will impact hundreds of jobs.
Tour bus drivers: “It’s a scary situation”
Cayman's tour bus operators have been among the worst hit by the tourism shut down. With little prospect of cruise ships returning any time soon, they don't know where to turn for help.
Five ideas for a green recovery
As Cayman plans its vision for a post-COVID future, ideas are emerging for a green recovery. Here we summarise some of the recommendations from various reports and advisors that they say can help grow jobs and protect the environment.
