ALSO AVAILABLE WITH TM & © 2020 Burger King Corporation. SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Monday, 16 March 2020 • First coronavirus patient dies • Schools close, businesses shut doors • Cruise ships banned • Health City quarantined • Tourism industry in free fall Cayman on lockdown Mostly empty deckchairs along Seven Mile Beach Saturday as the tourism industry reels. – Photo: Taneos RamsayPRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Cayman Compass Ltd. Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 E: sales@compassmedia.ky W: caymancompass.com PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KEVIN MORALES Partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of showers. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 85°F 74°F HIGH LOW WINDS Easterly 15 to 20 knots. SEA STATE Rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet. A small craft warning is in effect. Temporary closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Government is considering adding more travel restrictions in a further effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus locally. Premier Alden McLaughlin announced a package of emergency measures Friday, including a two- month halt on cruise ship arrivals and a travel ban for multiple countries, including all of the Europe Union. Schools have been closed and public gatherings of more than 50 people banned, as Cayman grapples with an unprecedented crisis. “We are in completely uncharted territory,” the premier said at a press briefing Friday. “This is like a hurricane that has a three-month duration.” The US has banned travel from the UK to restrict the spread of the virus and it is possible that Cayman could follow suit. Further travel restrictions could be put in place in the coming days, the premier acknowledged. Addressing why the UK, US and Jamaica had not been added to the expanded travel restriction list on Friday, the premier said, “There is no question in our minds that there are threats posed by traffic between the UK and Cayman, indeed between the US and Cayman, and between Jamaica and Cayman.” But, he said, government had to think very carefully about how it shut down links with its major trading partners. Despite those concerns, he said drastic action would likely be necessary to help keep Cayman safe. Cayman authorities announced the first confirmed case of the virus on Thursday afternoon. The patient, a 68-year-old Italian visitor who was transported to Health City by cruise ship after suffering a heart attack, subsequently died from complications associated with the virus. Staff at the East End hospital who came into contact with him are currently in isolation and are being tested for the virus. The results of those tests have yet to be confirmed and, as of Sunday afternoon, there was still only one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands. The victim was one of five cases sent to Caribbean health officials for testing last week. Four other cases came back negative. Officials had stated last week that a sixth case was being tested. However, they clarified Sunday that the sixth test had not been performed as the case did not meet the criteria to be tested for COVID-19; that patient has been notified and released from isolation. Health officials confirmed Sunday that free local testing can be done in Cayman from Monday. “The introduction of local testing will significantly reduce the waiting period, from 5-10 days to 24-48 hours, for confirmation of COVID-19,” the HSA said in a statement. A team from Public Health England was expected to arrive on island Sunday night to assist with planning and case management, and health officials expect to be able to provide daily statistics as the outbreak develops. The temporary closure of Health City Friday is not expected to limit the islands’ ability to treat patients, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee. He said the hospital was being deep cleaned and should be back in operation within a few weeks. Meanwhile, he said, Grand Cayman’s two other hospitals, Cayman Islands Hospital and CTMH Doctors Hospital, were ramping down elective procedures to free up space. Government measures have focussed intently on preventing the spread of the virus. Police will be helping enforce restrictions on public gatherings to less than 50 people. The restriction applies to bars, restaurants and churches, and will mean the cancellation of the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Jog, Batabano Carnival and Taste of Cayman food festival, among other major events. The Camana Bay Cinem a and Royal Palms bar and restaurant immediately closed their Cayman begins battle against coronavirus PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8» cayman compass 2 news N news MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020Get the Cayman Compass delivered to your door. Starting Sunday, 15 March Subscriptions: $10 per week or $35 per month. Email Demi Bush at dbush@compassmedia.ky or visit caymancompass.com to sign up today. FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass Working from home? Don’t want to leave your house? cayman compass 3 MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020FridAY'S SOLUTiONS 1234567 8 9 10 11 12131415 1617 1819 20212223 24 25 26 27 1234567 8 9 10 11 12131415 1617 1819 20212223 24 25 26 27 Puzzle 16325 ACROSS: 1 Acerbic, 5 Liner, 8 First-hand, 9 Gas, 10 Lack, 12 On tiptoe, 14 Ignite, 15 Aghast, 17 Footling, 18 Term, 21 Air, 22 All thumbs, 24 Elect, 25 Rightly. DOWN: 1 Awful, 2 Ear, 3 Butt, 4 Cranny, 5 Lodgings, 6 Nightmare, 7 Respect, 11 Concourse, 13 Stalwart, 14 Inflate, 16 Antler, 19 Musty, 20 Thug, 23 Met. ACrOSS 1 Imagine (5) 8 Male singing voice (8) 9 Self-possession (5) 10 Appraising glance (4-4) 11 Praiseworthy quality (5) 12 In favour of (3) 16 Far Eastern temple (6) 17 Greek sun god (6) 18 Tibetan ox (3) 23 A gemstone (5) 24 Useless personnel (4,4) 25 Lesson to be drawn (5) 26 Not to mention (3,5) 27 In imitation of (5) dOWN 2 Unanimously (2,3,3) 3 Unyielding (4-4) 4 Collect and store (6) 5 Increase scope of (5) 6 Find answer to (5) 7 Full of laughter (5) 12 Wages (3) 13 A durable wood (3) 14 Determined individualist (4,4) 15 Take no chances (4,4) 19 Be equivalent (6) 20 Romantic episode (5) 21 Mediterranean island (5) 22 Expand (5) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16327 The numbers in the black cells are clues. Numbers above the slash are across clues. Number below the slash are down clues. The goal is to enter digits 1 - 9 in the white cells to add up to the number clues. You cannot enter any digit more than once when adding up to clue. Premier warns against breaking public spaces ban I hope this is applicable as well in all grocery stores and bars. Those areas are more exposed on possible transmission if anyone inside has virus. – Celestial Za Many churches have Facebook streaming, so we can still participate and be blessed. We all need to keep our eyes fixed on God. He will take us through. Comply with the law! God Bless! – Yolande Lopez I am curious of the reasoning. You have planes landing with people, who, before arriving, have sat in airports for hours. They then sit on a plane of 180+ people for hours with recycled air in confined quarters as they all touch, cough, scratch, sneeze, etc. Then, they stand in Customs once arriving for upwards of an hour plus. Then they gather outside, meeting, greeting and waiting for rides. Then you ask for the limiting of 50 and less. I see the initial reasoning but I’m missing the understanding of the latter part. I just can’t see it! Also, I noticed people cleaning tabletops between customer, but if it’s not a viral-killing agent, it’s not doing anything. And the customers didn’t just touch the tables, but the chairs, menus, the salt and pepper, etc. – Karyl Joanne McElroy I went for sundowners this evening to one bar, ordered some food and a drink, leaving my bag and belongings with friends while I went to the bathroom and also then let the dog pee ... and then wasn’t allowed back in! I was told to stand in line and wait. I had to get someone to bring my belongings out to me. I hope they cancelled my order! – Shelly Mountain I have friends in Milan who were shocked when I mentioned the 50 people gathering ban. They say that is far too many. So, I’ll just be avoiding pretty much all group gatherings. – Cera-Tan Jena Kennaird Horner No matter how it got here, it was going to come sooner or later. The best we can all do is try to cooperate with each other and the government. – Laurie L. Welcome Any government – “Arbitrary penalties will be applied. Obey or pay.” – David M. Acto Make it 10 and you might help the situation. 50 is far too many! – Mark Johnston If the government of the Cayman Islands dares to harm her people, a legion of half-Caymanians will come home, furious! – Nathan Bergstrom What about the airport? The visitors line was heaving today with more than 50 passengers up close and personal. – Joanna Vdh I think 50 at one time is way too many people. Why not just ban public gathering? – Carol Ebanks Where are the 24/7 live updates on the virus’s status for Caymanians and residents? Why isn’t there any point of information about what’s happening in real time and guidances for Cayman residents, such as detailed hygiene and sanitary practices in these circumstances. Is it not the responsibility of Hazard Management (government) to ensure all the people here are kept apprised with accurate and timely information about our current situation? It appears information is very haphazard at best, all we have is rumours, innuendo and incomplete status of what’s really occurring on this island! This is a global crisis affecting all people and we’re receiving limited information. Why? – Robert E. Lugossy Why is 50 the magic number? So the first 50 won’t have it? Sorry, that makes no sense. – Kay Evans-Brown Imagine this – they let a coronavirus victim in on our Island and now want to fine us. – Curtis Conolly Schools close, cruise ships banned to prevent coronavirus spread Still planning on flying in for vacation on the 21st! – Johnelle Spears Farren I agree with what the Government has done, as there wasn’t really any other choice, but I am very worried about a lot of businesses who may not be able to whether this storm, especially those who rely on tourism. I am waiting to hear if there is going to be some sort of assistance in this regard from Government. Are banks going to suspend mortgage payments for two months? Are landlords going to give a break to those who simply will not be able to pay their staff and pay their rent? Two months is a long time for this Island to be on virtual lockdown. People are scared, and with that comes panic, and after that, crime. Pray, send good thoughts to whomever or whatever you believe in, as we all need it now. Look out for your neighbour and be kind. – Renee Bernardo I understand what the government was saying. ... Given the fact that the country might be in lockdown, are there going to be waivers for persons who can’t go out to work, like rent and so on, and was any form of tracing done since the first patient was diagnosed. – Shere Bernard-Smith How do we make a living? Will the banks suspend mortgage payments? – Phaide Maxim If tourists do fly in early April, will restaurants, hotels and Stingray City remain open? – Shelley Robinson Quick response is what is needed. It will not be easy but for the best in the long run. – Vickie Kasten And life will never be the same again! It’s a virus it will pass! – Ken Wall A little too late about those cruise ships. Just like with the dump. – Solenn Carriou cartoon No Kissing - By Caymanman What they’re saying cayman compass 4 news N news MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020Customer Announcement Re: Interest Rate Adjustments Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. wishes to advise that due to the announcement by the Federal Reserve to decrease the federal funds rate by 0.50%, on March 3, 2020, the following changes will occur: • USD Prime Rate decrease from 4.75% to 4.25%, effective March 9, 2020 • KYD Prime Rate decrease from 4.75% to 4.25%, effective March 9, 2020 All products linked to USD and KYD Prime Rates will be adjusted on the effective dates indicated. CICS understands the importance of bringing awareness to all gynecologic cancers—cervical, ovarian, uterine/ endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancer—and declared March as our Female Cancers Awareness Month! Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the ad sponsored by: C A N C E R S O C I E T Y C A Y M A N IS L A N D S 25 ANNIVERSARY th Go to www.cics.ky for ideas on what you can do. For more information call the CI Cancer Society: 949 7618 RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The patient confirmed as Cayman's first COVID-19 case died on Saturday at Health City Cayman Islands from coronavirus complications. Health City clinical director Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil confirmed the death, saying, “The cause of death was bilateral interstitial pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome – Coronavirus Disease-19.” The man, from Italy, passed away at 4:40am on Saturday, according to a media statement from Health City. The 68-year-old patient had been transported from the cruise ship Costa Luminosa to the East End facility on 29 Feb. for urgent cardiac care and was being treated in isolation at the tertiary care facility’s Medical Intensive Care Unit. Chattuparambil, on Thursday at a media briefing to announce the first positive COVID-19 case, said the patient had suffered two cardiac arrests and was taken directly to the hospital. The doctor clarified that prior to the man developing a dry cough six days after he was treated for his cardiac condition, “the patient appeared to be recovering well following interventional cardiac treatment for a pre-existing cardiac condition”. He said at the time that the patient “was considered to be in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit”. However, his condition subsequently deteriorated. Chattuparambil said his team was awaiting direction from Public Health on how to deal with the remains. “Since we are dealing with an unprecedented situation, we have asked the Public Health Department for directives concerning the mortal remains of the patient,” he said. The Cayman Compass reached out to Public Health on those directives and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams- Rodriguez said Health City has its own protocols when it comes to dealing with the body of a patient. In this case, he said, the handling of the body of a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 is no different from handling any other patient with an infectious disease. “Universal precautions are to be taken. There are protocols (from Public Health England and other international organisations) for handling patients who died from COVID-19,” he said. World Health Organization guidelines recommend the proper use of personal protection equipment in accordance with standard precautions to avoid direct contact with body fluids while moving a body from an isolation room or area. Williams-Rodriguez stressed that the patient’s remains are not infectious. Urging calm Chattuparambil advised members of the public to remain calm in the wake of the patient’s death. “The patient’s death does not increase the risk to the general public in any way. He was an older patient with pre-existing health issues who would be more greatly impacted by the disease than the vast majority of people. We continue to urge everyone to follow standard precautionary measures against contracting the virus, including regular hand-washing and practicing good respiratory hygiene,” he said. As news of the patient’s death spread, many within the local community extended their condolences on social media and offered prayers for the patient’s widow, who is currently in isolation at the hospital. She was informed of her husband’s death over the phone as no one is allowed to have contact with her. On Saturday, government, including Governor Martyn Roper, Premier Alden McLaughlin and Health Minister Dwayne Seymour, extended condolences to the wife and family of the patient. “Our heartfelt sympathies to the patient’s widow who has lost her husband in a land far from home,” McLaughlin said in the government statement. Seymour, commenting on the passing of the patient, said this is “obviously a time for national reflection. I urge the people of the Cayman Islands, in particular those at high risk and their loved ones, to put into rigorous practice the measures that prevent COVID and so will save their lives. Most important of these are rigorous hand-washing and social distancing.” Chattuparambil said the patient’s wife has been tested for COVID-19 and her test results should be available in the coming days. Health City on Friday temporarily closed the hospital to the public for two weeks, saying it will not be accepting new patients, as all medical and hospital staff who came into contact with the patient have been quarantined. The hospital has also quarantined staff members’ families who would be at direct risk. Chattuparambil said, according to WHO, health professionals are still learning about how COVID-2019 “affects people, older persons and persons with pre- existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes, appear to develop serious illness more often than others”. People who develop flu-like symptoms are advised to contact the Public Health Department at flu@hsa.ky or the flu hotline at 1-800-534-8600. Additional reporting by Carolina Lopez Cayman’s first COVID-19 patient dies at Health City cayman compass 5 news N news MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020PERSONAL BANKING | BUSINESS BANKING | FIDUCIARY SERVICES | FUND SERVICES | INVESTMENT SERVICES caymannational.com Interest Rate Decrease Customer Notice Cayman National Bank advises that its CI$ and US$ Prime Rates will decrease from 4.75% to 4.25% effective 11th March 2020. All products linked to CI$ and US$ Prime Rates will be adjusted on this date. We thank you for banking with us. Port director: cargo will still come in RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Acting Port Director Joseph Woods has issued assurances that there is no need to fear that Cayman will face supply shortages as he said government’s cruise ban will not impact cargo operations. On Sunday, government began its cruise ban a day early as it cancelled two cruises scheduled to call on Cayman and turned away another which was requesting permission to dock. “While there’s abandoned cruise operations for 60 days, cargo operations continue as scheduled. We did one cargo ship [Saturday] night. We have another one tonight [Sunday],” Woods told the Cayman Compass Sunday. “So there is no fear for food shortages as cargo comes in unabated at this time. Cayman has turned away two ships scheduled to call and refused entry to another ahead of a government ban on cruise ships set to take effect to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” The ban officially begins Monday, 16 March, as announced by Premier Alden McLaughlin on Friday at a media briefing to update the country on Cabinet decisions to suppress any spread of the virus. Woods said the decision was taken to cancel the Island Princess and Veendam cruise ships that were scheduled for Sunday and deny entry to the Mariella Discovery 2. “They all had passengers from the countries on the updated list of banned countries so they were all denied,” Woods said. McLaughlin, who was locked in various meetings on Saturday, tweeted on his official Twitter account that “there will be no more cruise ship calls until approved by the Cayman Islands government”. One cargo ship, the Seaboard Sun, had been listed for Sunday. The cancellations follow McLaughlin’s announcement Friday of an expanded list of countries from which travel is now restricted. As of Monday, there will be no travel allowed from European Union countries, as well as Japan, South Korea and Iran. China, where the first outbreak of the virus occurred, was already on the restricted travel list. The UK, US and Jamaica were not included in the list as of Friday, but the premier said more countries could be added in the coming days. He said “more drastic and radical” decisions will have to be taken to suppress the spread of coronavirus. On Thursday, a 68-year-old Italian man, who was initially transported to Health City Cayman Islands from a cruise ship after suffering a heart attack on 29 Feb., was confirmed as Cayman’s first positive coronavirus case. He died from complications from the virus early on Saturday morning. He had showed signs of respiratory problems six days after being treated for cardiac issues, and was put in an isolation ward. On Saturday, his wife remained in isolation at Health City. On Saturday, Jamaica banned travel from the UK. Also on Saturday, US President Donald Trump banned travel from the UK and Ireland. George Town Harbour is empty of cruise ships on Sunday. Cruises cancelled ahead of ban “While there’s abandoned cruise operations for 60 days, cargo operations continue as scheduled.” Acting Port Director Joseph Woods CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky As consumers in the Cayman Islands continued to panic buy on Saturday following confirmation of the first patient with COVID-19, supermarket bosses warn that if this shopping trend continues, they may be in big trouble. “If we don’t calm down, use things prudently and share with our neighbour, we are going to run out. This is not regional, this is the world; everyone in the world is looking for the exact same product,” Woody Foster, managing director of Foster’s said Friday on the radio show Cayman Crosstalk. The situation has turned from snapping up household cleaners, toilet tissue and canned foods, to grabbing everything in sight. Foster said that once the country heard that the coronavirus was here, everybody left work and went shopping. “We got slammed. We don’t have the product to deal with that nor the staff; however, this morning [Friday] we look completely different. My team has been unloading the warehouse, containers and stocking shelves,” Foster said. But in light of the shopping mania, he said that he can’t sustain this kind of shopping behaviour for long. “Everybody just needs to relax; we have product, and we are going to get through this together, but I think we all have to also remember that this is for a potentially long period of time. This isn’t for a two-week thing,” Foster said. “We don’t know how long this is going to last so if we go crazy now and buy up all the product and have nothing to replace it with, who knows if it goes on for an extended period of time.” Michael Miller, store director of Hurley’s supermarket, was also on the same talk show and said that the company is working closely with the Port Authority to ensure that containers are coming in. “We got four or five containers on Thursday, and we have another six or so coming on Monday. There’s a continuous supply of food coming in, but we are getting cut from some items in the US like hand sanitiser and wipes,” Miller said. A shopping trolley filled with bottled water, cereal and rice outside one of the local stores on Friday. Shoppers packed supermarkets on Friday and Saturday in a panic-buying spree to hoard items in anticipation of coronavirus spreading throughout the Cayman Islands. Panic buying continues but supermarkets urge shoppers to stop 622 MARCH IS WORLD WATER DAY The 2020 celebration highlights the link between water and climate change. Yes, climate change feels scary and daunting, but there is one step you can take to make a difference: drink tap water. Single-use plastic accelerates climate change, as plastic contributes to greenhouse gases at every stage of its life cycle. The safe-to-drink water produced by the Water Authority means that you can confidently make the choice to ditch bottled water and switch to tap water. Play your role in protecting our environment and take back the tap. Offenders face a fine of $1,000 and six- month imprisonment RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Premier Alden McLaughlin has warned that anyone who breaches the ban on the gathering of more than 50 people in public places will face penalties for their actions. “Pleading ignorance of the law is no excuse,” he told the Cayman Compass Friday night. Anyone found breaking the rule will be guilty of a criminal offence and faces a fine of $1,000 and six months’ imprisonment, according to new regulations gazetted Friday night. The penalty for the breach was among key measures outlined in the new Public Health (Control and Suppression of COVID-19) Regulations. Government clarified Saturday that for bars, restaurants and hotels, the 50-person limit does not include staff members. The Ministry of Commerce also issued a statement that the limit includes both outside and inside spaces of a premises. The 50-person limit also does not apply to workplaces as they not considered public areas. Minister Joey Hew is urging the industry to act responsibly and help contain the spread of the coronavirus. “We all have to use an elevated sense of caution as we respond to this situation so as to protect ourselves and the people of the Cayman Islands,” he said. Government’s action comes on the heels of Cayman’s first confirmed case of coronavirus, a 68-year-old Italian man who died Saturday morning. What the regulations say Under the suppression regulations, which were authorised in a special Cabinet meeting Friday, only healthcare facilities, supermarkets and pharmacies will be exempt from the 50-people maximum rule. All leisure, recreational or spiritual activities, including those arranged by service clubs, as well as faith- based, community, civic and business organisations, will be subject to the regulations. The new regulations strictly prohibit the holding of a ‘public meeting, procession or festive ceremony’. Over the weekend, organisers announced that many public events are being postponed, including Taste of Cayman, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Jog, Batabano, various charity walks and fundraising events. Restaurants throughout Cayman said they were limiting the number of their customers to 50 or fewer. Popular beach bar and restaurant Royal Palms Beach Club on Saturday announced it will be closing down indefinitely. The regulations outlined that the prohibition is “for the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread of the virus”. Churches over the weekend began taking steps to limit the size of their congregations or to stream their services live on social media. Premier warns against breaking public spaces ban Premier Alden McLaughlin 50 The maximum number of people who can gather in a public place. Hospital visits banned The Health Services Authority is banning visits by members of the public to patients at the Cayman Islands Hospital. The only non-patients or non-staff who will be allowed inside the hospital are parents of children in the paediatric ward and those accompanying women in labour. “This heightened measure is to protect the most vulnerable to reduce the risk of spreading any virus,” said the Health Service Authority’s CEO, Lizzette Yearwood, in a statement issued Saturday. “All of our patients and immediate family have been notified of this change in policy,” she added. All doors into the facility will be locked and only accessible to authorised personnel, health officials said. The Accident and Emergency Unit will remain open to patients who require immediate emergency care. Anyone who needs to contact a patient can call 949-8600. cayman compass 7 news N news MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020JEWEL LEVY jlevy@compassmedia.ky From fancy sisal slippers to bottle- cap ‘bling bling’, Lean Christian is literally turning trash into treasure with her unique skill for “refreshing up” used things. The 69-year-old – who lives in Spot Bay – has been a lover of crafts since childhood, when she would use whatever she found discarded to create beautiful things. “Once I got into it, I couldn’t stop,” she said. Christian cites her parents, grandparents and forefathers as her inspiration because they had to recycle and reuse everything they had in days gone by. She recently turned her attention to collecting bottle caps after she noticed family and friends discarding the tops from the many cases of bottled water and drinks they were purchasing. In her workshop, tables are littered with bits of yellow and checkered cloth ready to be made into ‘bananas’ and other art. Spray bottles are turned into tealight candle holders and big industrial tissue cardboard rolls into stands for larger candles. Her favourite creation is the ‘baby turtle’ she made from bottle caps, Christian said. “I didn’t know it was a turtle … it didn’t look much like a turtle but when people saw it, they said it resembled a baby turtle,” she said. Christian said, in the past, people used sisal bush to make slippers, bags and decorations. She said they would cut the green sisal from the bush, scrape it, hang the strands out to dry, and then dye and plait it to make things. “I remember, as a child, my mother taking me along East End Road to cut sisal. She would let me watch but never touch. She said touching it would cause my skin to itch. She would take it to the sea to scrape away the green pulp. It can itch if you get the juice on your legs and arms,” Christian said. The slippers were made by tracing someone’s feet on a piece of cardboard, cutting out the trace, and stitching the plaited sisal to it. Cotton was sewn in the toe area and a sisal bow placed on the top. “We never had cotton like they have today but we had cotton trees,” she said. The handmade slippers were sent to Little Cayman to sell to tourists. doors in response to the measures. The guidelines are intended to prevent the virus from spreading quickly and overwhelming health services, and McLaughlin insisted they would be strictly enforced. Governor Martyn Roper expressed his full support for the package of emergency measures, passed into law through an order of Cabinet Saturday. He urged people to remain calm, look out for each other, and follow the guidelines. “The majority of us will only get mild symptoms if they contract COVID-19, but some will be more seriously affected. Please look after our elderly and those with underlying health issues so they can follow the medical advice,” he said. The governor also warned against the irresponsible spread of misinformation, saying, “If necessary, we will use the law to tackle those who spread false rumours.” What measures has government introduced: School closures: All educational institutions, including pre-schools, schools, and higher education establishments, have been closed until 27 April. Cruise ship ban: As of Monday, 16 March, cruise ships are not allowed to dock in the Cayman Islands for 60 days. Ban on public gatherings of more than 50 people: Football games and festivals are being postponed and bars and restaurants, as well as churches, are being forced to restrict numbers. Supermarkets, pharmacies and hospitals are exempt. Workplaces are not considered ‘public gatherings’. Travel ban: Japan, South Korea, China and the European Union are all covered by the travel ban, with more countries likely to be added in the coming days. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Cayman’s coronavirus battle begins TIMELINE Wednesday, 11 March • Government holds a public meeting and announces it has allocated an initial $1.1 million to prepare for the COVID-19 threat. • Health officials reveal that five people in the Cayman Islands have been tested for coronavirus and are in isolation. Monday, 9 March • Government urges people not to panic buy as shoppers rush to stores to stock up on cleaning products and toilet rolls. • Government confirms the first case of coronavirus on the island – a 68-year-old Italian cruise ship visitor who was transported to Health City after a heart attack, and later developed respiratory symptoms. Four other coronavirus tests come back negative. Thursday, 12 March • Health City reveals it is temporarily closing and 30 medical professionals and staff who came into contact with the coronavirus patient are being put into quarantine. • A Cayman Airways plane is stopped on the tarmac because of concerns over a passenger with a cough. Health officials later indicate the patient’s symptoms were not believed to be consistent with coronavirus. • Premier Alden McLaughlin announces emergency measures, including a ban on cruise ships, travel restrictions, closure of schools and a ban on public gatherings of more than 50 people. Friday, 13 March • Health City confirms that the COVID-19 patient has died from complications associated with the virus. • Government is locked in talks with business leaders as it seeks to limit damage to the economy and the tourism industry in particular. • Restaurants begin limiting customers. Some shut their doors temporarily. Saturday, 14 March • Three cruise ships prevented from calling. • A ‘rapid deployment’ team from Public Health England heads for Cayman to assist with the response. Sunday, 15 March Brac artist transforming old things into new Lean Christian in her workshop. A plate of 'bananas and a pumpkin' - recycled art - by Lean Christian. cayman compass 8 news N news MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020Book your next island vacation with us! With over 100 luxurious private villas and condos on island, Cayman Villas has the perfect place for you. Contact our Reservation Specialists today: reservations@caymanvillas.com | 345.945.4144 | www.caymanvillas.com cayman compass 9 MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2020Next >