cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Tuesday, 24 March 2020 Students settling into isolation Page 2 EDITORIAL: Locked down in Cayman Page 4 The doctor will Skype you now... Page 6 Cayman under curfew Page 3Temporarily closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. PRINTED 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 Fair skies with a 20% chance of showers. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 87°F 76°F HIGH LOW WINDS Easterly at 5 to 10 knots. SEA STATE Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass Man killed in motorcycle crash A 44-year-old man from George Town was killed Monday after losing control of his motorcycle. The accident happened around 12:10am, at Hurley Merren Boulevard, between the Red Bay and Chrissie Tomlinson roundabouts. Police and other emergency services were alerted to the accident by 9-1-1. They found the motorcyclist unresponsive at the scene. Police said the man was transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital by Emergency Medical Services, where he was pronounced dead by an attending doctor. The man had been travelling east on Hurley Merren Blvd when he lost control of his black Ducati motorcycle, causing the collision to occur. No other vehicles were involved, police said. Two small earthquakes in two days in Cayman Cayman experienced two tremors over the past two days. Both earthquakes measured over magnitude 4. The latest, with a magnitude of 4.3, occurred at 11:52am on Monday, 29 miles south-southeast of East End, at a depth of 5.7 miles. On Sunday, a 4.6 magnitude tremor was recorded 31.5 miles southeast of East End at 1:35pm. Residents reported they felt shaking in both instances. Hazard Management Cayman Islands said that there were no reports of damage and no tsunami alerts were issued in relation to either tremor. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The last batch of Caymanian students travelling from overseas touched down Sunday night and are settling in at isolation facilities that will be their home for the next 14 days. The adjustment to the new norm will take time. Even for students like Jevaughnie Ebanks, who arrived back on island Friday, isolation is still taking some getting used to. “It’s weird to be home, but not home at the same time,” Ebanks told the Cayman Compass in an interview over WhatsApp on Monday. Brunel University student Nayo Swan agreed, saying she’s trying to make the best of the situation. “It’s day three for me and, so far, isolation is fine. Three meals a day and a hotel room for myself means I have a lot of ‘me’ time. Not the most ideal situation to be in a hotel for, but I’m making the most of it and enjoying myself,” Swan said. Ebanks, who is a regular in the annual production of comedy show ‘Rundown’ and a radio personality, is among the students in isolation in a hotel as part of government’s COVID-19 response. As of Monday, Cayman has recorded five confirmed cases of coronavirus. Ebanks said when he and fellow students left London on Friday, he felt mentally prepared to go into isolation, but “isolation in the UK is different than isolation here. In here, I’m not allowed to leave my room – not even to go downstairs to the lobby area ... . Whilst isolation in the UK was simply, I have to just live alone and not take public transport, not going to public spaces, but I’m still, for example, allowed to go outside.” As a social person, who is a “bit claustrophobic”, being restricted to his hotel room “sometimes feel very overwhelming,” Ebanks said. However, he said, there has been a lot of camaraderie among the students at the facility and the support from friends and family has helped. “The first day that I got here is when I realised, ‘Okay, I have to stay in this room’ and that was immediately a problem because all I could think of is ‘I’m not going to manage it’, but with friends and family, they have made it easier. “It’s a strange experience. It’s frustrating because I literally just move from bedroom to couch to bathroom, and that’s it. So, it can feel a bit mundane at times, but I keep reminding myself that it’s for the betterment of the country,” he said. When they arrived, Ebanks and his fellow students were met by medical staff who took their temperatures, before boarding buses and being transported to the hotel. Oklahoma student Shekirah Ebanks said the transition was smooth. “We arrived at the hotel and were greeted. It was a pleasant thing. We weren’t treated like how some people were making fun of it. ‘Oh, we’re going to be treated like terrorists or something like that.’ It was nothing like that. They gave us like a little care package and everything, and we were escorted to our rooms, so it was more of a pleasant situation than I thought it was,” Shekirah Ebanks said. Overall, the students were pleased with the government’s response and actions taken. “They (government) are extremely prepared and they are taking every precaution imaginable. For example, [we are not even] allowed to directly take things from persons who come to deliver [food] for us. They have to place it on a table outside of our door, knock on our door … leave, and [we] collect what is given. So, it’s different. It’s a weird, a weird way of socialising – that’s the best I could put it, but they’ve been very prepared,” he said. Sebrina Rankine agreed, saying, “[I have been] pretty much doing the same thing, class assignments and preparation for final exams, if and when they happen. “I am a final-year law student with two weeks of classes remaining, which have now transitioned online. I am currently surrounded by law textbooks and statutes. So, honestly, not much of a change,” she said. The students all said they are anxious to complete their “sentence” and spend time with their families and on the beach. Students settling into isolation Jevaughnie Ebanks, who on Monday was four days into his 14 days of self-isolation after returning from the UK, sees the lighter side of being isolated in a hotel. 2JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky A curfew will be in place from 9pm to 5am starting Tuesday across the Cayman Islands to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Governor Martyn Roper announced the nightly lockdown following the confirmation of two new cases of the virus on island Monday. Anyone who is out of their home during that time without written authorisation from Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne faces a fine of up to $3,000 or a year in prison. The curfew begins Tuesday night and will be in place for an initial 10 days, with a review every 48 hours by the commissioner. At a press briefing Monday, Roper said it was a “sensible precautionary measure” to limit people’s movement because so many people had returned to the island, prior to the closure of Cayman’s borders, from areas where COVID-19 was rife. The ban on public gatherings was also hardened Monday so that no more than 10 people are allowed to congregate in one place at any time. Premier Alden McLaughlin said the islands needed a huge national effort to avoid the risk of a three- month lockdown and potentially hundreds of deaths. “This is a massive national effort to save our own lives and those of the people we love most,” he said. “It needs everybody to believe in this in the way we believe Christ died for sinners. Unless it becomes that kind of mindset for Cayman, we are going to face the consequences we see every day on the television. We are not exempt from this virus.” He made a plea to the community to do its part. “Let’s set an example to the world about how you manage an epidemic like this. Let’s do this with the seriousness it deserves, which it warrants, and let’s save Cayman together.” Outlining the new regulations on public gathering, he said businesses that need more than 10 employees are exempt but must put provisions in the workplace to prevent employees from coming within six feet of each other. Major supermarkets and pharmacies will also be exempt but must enact measures to ensure social distancing is observed. Gas stations and mini-marts are not included in that exemption. Public transport, with the exception of taxi drivers who are limited to two passengers, is being shut down for an initial two weeks. For now, public beaches remain open but police will be on patrol enforcing the 10-person congregation limit. The premier said this would be reviewed if people flouted the public-gathering regulations. He said he had seen examples of this over the weekend and urged Cayman residents not to view the crisis measures as a “spring break”. “The police will arrest people who are breaking the law,” he added. “If we have more instances of this, we will be forced to shut down the public beaches. That would be a terrible consequence in terms of the options remaining for people to live life with some sense of normalcy.” Despite reports of relatively low death rates globally, he said Cayman was taking no chances. “Statistics are great unless you are one of those statistics, or your mother or your father is one of those statistics. Every life is important. We are not going on statistics here,” he said. Two new cases The premier’s comments followed confirmation from Dr. John Lee, Cayman’s chief medical officer, of two new confirmed COVID-19 cases originating from Health City Cayman Islands. Lee said more cases were being tested and new numbers would be available soon. As of press time Monday afternoon, Cayman had five confirmed cases of the virus. Byrne confirmed that he was using his powers under the Police Law, Section 49, to impose a curfew. The law allows him to do so with written approval from the governor on consultation with Cabinet and the National Hazard Management Executive. “We seek the full cooperation and assistance of the community, and I don’t think we will get anything less,” he said. “Normal policing will continue and additional resources will be in place throughout the island to enforce the curfew. “We are looking for full co- operation and partnership, and it is for the good of the island that this is being done.” He also stated that people with medical emergencies would be allowed through during curfew hours. McLaughlin said the night-time lockdown allowed people the freedom to get to work, and go to the supermarket or the pharmacy during the day, while limiting the chance for anyone to congregate at night. He said he was proud of the returning students who had self- isolated, and urged young people in general not to see the situation as an opportunity for a party. Cayman closed its borders at 11:59pm Sunday in an effort to prevent any new introduction of coronavirus to the island. The territory has been on high alert since the death of a 68-year- old visitor on 14 March from complications associated with the virus. The victim, an Italian tourist from the Costa Luminosa cruise ship who was initially taken to Health City after suffering a heart attack, was Cayman’s first confirmed case of COVID-19. Two medical staff who treated him later tested positive for the virus. A series of escalating measures, including the closure of schools, bars and restaurants, have been put in place to contain the spread of the virus in Cayman. With reporting by Reshma Ragoonath and Kevin Morales. Curfew announced as 2 new coronavirus cases confirmed 9pm to 5am Curfew hours Police on patrol on Seven Mile Beach, Saturday. Public beaches remain open for now, but officers will be monitoring all beaches to ensure no gatherings of greater than 10 people at any one time. cayman compass 3 news N news TUESDAY, 24 MARCH 2020123456 78 9 10 11 1213 14 1516 17 1819 2021 123456 78 9 10 11 1213 14 1516 17 1819 2021 ACROSS 1 An evergreen tree (7) 4 Primary (5) 7 Distinctive ambience (4) 8 Open to question (8) 10 Keen intuitive power (5,5) 12 Muslim place of worship (6) 13 Ingenious (6) 15 Nazi regime 1933-45 (5,5) 18 Produce no response (4,4) 19 Large branch of tree (4) 20 Assign to a category (5) 21 Long period without rain (7) DOWN 1 Grossly stupid (5) 2 Sudden outburst (8) 3 High-pitched cry (6) 4 Steady and firm (4-6) 5 Dark red gem (4) 6 Shake from fear (7) 9 Considerate (10) 11 Impressive (8) 12 Cognisant (7) 14 Mission (6) 16 A settled tendency (5) 17 Fluent and plausible (4) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16334 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. YeSteRDAY'S SOLUtIONS Puzzle 16333 ACROSS: 1 Second sight, 9 Opossum, 10 Touch, 11 Open, 12 Ancestor, 14 Expire, 16 Kidded, 18 Horseman, 19 Bang, 22 Night, 23 Deplore, 24 On cloud nine. DOWN: 2 Evoke, 3 Oust, 4 Demand, 5 Intrepid, 6 Haunted, 7 For one thing, 8 Third degree, 13 Oriental, 15 Paragon, 17 Landau, 20 Adorn, 21 Spin. EDITORIAL BOARD As of midnight Sunday, Cayman, has closed its doors to the outside world. From here on in, we are all in this together. With the exception of freight and emergency evacuations, no flights will be coming in or out of the island for at least the next three weeks. In reality, it is likely to be much longer. The coronavirus is raging through Europe and America and, as Premier Alden McLaughlin acknowledged last week, it would be irresponsible to reopen our borders until that threat has passed. Those of us who remain in Cayman today are locked down together on these three small rocks in the Caribbean Sea. Dare we say, there is no place we would rather be? In the last few weeks, the world has become a dangerous and uncertain place. It seems no corner of the globe is immune to the coronavirus pandemic or its considerable side effects of personal anxiety and economic gloom. But the Cayman Islands is better placed than most to weather this storm. While we may be following the public health guidelines on social distancing, we are already seeing a display of social unity from most sections of the community. Perhaps it is due to years of training from facing the perils of hurricane season every summer, but Cayman is at its best in a crisis. We can be thankful for the pragmatic, decisive leadership of Premier McLaughlin who, along with his Cabinet colleagues and senior government officials, has made a string of tough calls over the past 10 days, including implementing a night-time curfew, with the welfare of the people first and foremost in his thinking. We can be thankful for our healthcare workers, police officers and other essential staff who are working round the clock to keep the island safe. We must also be grateful for the strong statement of solidarity from the private sector. The decision of Cayman’s biggest private sector employer, Dart Enterprises, to guarantee salaries for staff at its shuttered hotels through the likely duration of the crisis, has set the tone for others to follow. Not all employers will have the resources to be so generous. The sad reality is that some businesses may not survive. Some workers have already lost their jobs and there will inevitably be more casualties as the economic impact of this crisis escalates. That is true all over the world and our welfare systems and charities will need to mobilise to help those that are most impacted. Our business leaders must also innovate to find a way out of this and a route back to prosperity. At least in Cayman, government has the resources to ensure everyone’s basic needs are met. Banks have offered mortgage relief to home owners and we urge landlords to pay it forward and cut rents for struggling tenants. Our economy is hurting but the imperative right now is public health. Sacrifices must be made to ensure there is no unnecessary loss of life. The countries that have coped most effectively with this epidemic are the ones that have acted swiftly with drastic measures. Cayman is ahead of the curve compared to other nations and we hope and believe that we can contain the spread of the virus. Success depends on all of us. We must follow the guidance on social distancing. We must self-isolate if we have travelled overseas or have symptoms. We must practise diligent personal hygiene. This is not just for our own safety. The majority of us would survive a bout of COVID-19 with only mild discomfort. But if we pass on this highly contagious virus to our elderly or otherwise at-risk neighbours or family members, it could be fatal. The sacrifice we are being asked to make to keep them safe is not so great. As Marc Langevin, the manager of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, put it, “stay home, watch Netflix, eat ice cream”. Sounds manageable to us. EDITORIAL: Locked down in Cayman... There is no place we’d rather be A Southwest flight takes off on Sunday afternoon, the last day passenger flights were allowed to take off before Cayman's international airports shut for three weeks. cartoon Distant love - By Caymanman 4Passport stamps no longer provided, medical for permit renewals suspended RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky As Cayman continues to roll out its COVID-19 measures, the Workforce Opportunities and Residency department has also implemented policy changes to reduce public interaction. In a statement over the weekend, WORC announced that it is encouraging all customers to utilise its department phone numbers and email addresses to avoid in-person attendance at its offices at Apollo House West “for the safety of both staff and customers”. “Given the potential for COVID-19 to cause significant socio-economic impact to the Cayman Islands, the team at Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) is actively evaluating and making changes to our policies and service delivery methods as necessary to responsibly maintain continuity of operations,” the statement said. With the increasing number of unemployed expatriate and Caymanian workers, WORC said, “We are pursuing strategic solutions to connect Caymanian job-seekers with employment opportunities and support services. Our Employment Service Officers are equipped for remote working, and as such they will proactively establish contact with our current and newly registered Caymanian Job Seeker customers to offer specialist guidance, support, and assistance via phone and video conferencing.” As of Friday, and until further notice, WORC will no longer provide passport endorsement stamps. “If your Work Permit has been approved and you have received a Work Permit License (approval letter), do not come to the WORC office. Your Work Permit License (approval letter) will act as the authority you need for any travel purposes,” it said. Applications submitted between 20 March and 20 May will not require a medical “in the interest of reducing the burden on medical personnel and facilities”, the department said. “Additionally, applications related to medical and essential services personnel will be considered on a priority basis to assist in rapidly surging critical resources. While we manage resource constraints internally, we ask for customers’ patience where delays are experienced in relation to applications for the grant of a Work Permit, Permanent Residency, or Caymanian Status,” it added. Customers dropping off applications have been asked to place completed documents and payments (cheques are preferred) using a drop bag that will be given at the WORC office door. Customers will be asked to fill out the drop bag details and leave this with WORC staff for processing. WORC changes operations as part of COVID-19 response The Cayman Ministers’ Association is calling for the Christian community in the Cayman Islands to pray and fast in response to the crisis created by the coronavirus. The association, in a press release, also encouraged the population of the three Cayman Islands to support the efforts of the government by recognising that people’s health and well- being depend on individual actions as much as those of medical professionals. “We strongly encourage all our people to follow both the laws and the recommended guidelines issued by our Premier and Government,” said Reverend Torrance Bobb, chairman of the Ministers’ Association, in the release. “We must be both practical and spiritual as a holistic response to this health crisis,” he added. In a release issued before Governor Martyn Roper announced on Monday that public gatherings would now be limited to 10 people, rather than 50, Bobb said all churches must use their discretion based on the size of their worship spaces. “We strenuously object to the idea that abiding by the law with regard to the limitations on the size of the gatherings and social distancing displays a lack of faith,” Bobb said. He added, “Jesus encouraged us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The Apostle Paul also reminds Christians in the book of Romans to obey those in authority.” He urged people to “look to God in this time of crisis”. Ministers’ Association calls for people to ‘pray and fast’ “We strongly encourage all our people to follow both the laws and the recommended guidelines issued by our Premier and Government.” Reverend Torrance Bobb , chairman of the Ministers Association Caymanian employment queries If you have registered and have not yet been contacted, WORC asks you reach out to one of the employment service officers listed below: Rohan Webster 244-4020 or rohan.webster@gov.ky Felipe Terc 244-4026 or felipe.terc@gov.ky Priscilla Powery-Livingston 244-4021 or priscilla.powery-livingston@gov.ky Tania Ebanks 244-4023 or tania.ebanks@gov.ky Caymanian job seekers requiring assistance should contact: Shantannia Bryan 945-9672 or email shantannia.bryan@gov.ky For matters relating to the administra- tion and enforcement of the Labour Law and National Pensions Law, customers can contact the Department of Labour and Pensions at 945-8960 or email dlp@gov.ky. Work permit enquiries If anyone has not received their work permit licence (approval letter), contact: WORC: Call centre at 945-9672 or cus- tomer care WhatsApp on 927-7199, or email generalqueries@worc.gov.ky. Job registration and job postings Using a laptop, tablet or desktop computer, job seekers and employ- ers can register and interact with the JobsCayman platform. Due to techni- cal constraints, however, the platform cannot currently accept registrations or job postings via mobile phones. Employers and job seekers who are already registered can visit www.worc. ky for ‘How To’ guidance, with addi- tional assistance available by calling 925-9639 or emailing generalqueries@ worc.gov.ky from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Training and development Workshops have been cancelled for the next two weeks; however, key team members are accessible via phone or email from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday: Passport2Success Paul Puckerin at 925-5827 or paul.puckerin@gov.ky Ready2WorkKY Antonette McFarlane at 926-6286 or antonette.mcfarlane@gov.ky National Training and Development Dianne Conolly at 925-7230 or Dianne.conolly@gov.ky Complaints Customers wishing to lodge a complaint should email worccomplaints@gov.ky. The Workforce Opportunities and Residency department is limiting the amount of public interaction at its office. 5Tele-medicine and tent clinics help doctors do their jobs JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Doctors across the Cayman Islands are changing the way they do business in an effort to keep themselves and their patients safe. Some have closed their doors for anything except emergency situations. Others are consulting with patients over WhatsApp or Skype. Several practices have set up tents outside their offices to segregate patients with respiratory symptoms from those with everyday ailments. At Pasadora Place on Friday, 20 March, the glass-panelled doors of various medical centres were plastered with printed notices advising visitors of the new protocols. Dr. Joseph Marzouca said he aimed to keep his practice open as long as possible. He is asking patients with coughs, colds or breathing difficulties to report to a tented consultation room outside the office. If they have travelled overseas or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, he refers them to the Health Services Authority. Other patients are seen inside the clinic by doctors in protective wear. Marzouca said staff had been working non-stop over the past few weeks and the practice may need to reduce hours. ‘Doctors are human, too’ Marzouca said he understood why some clinics were closing their doors. “Doctors are human, too, and if they feel it is a difficult situation, they may want to close up,” he said. “It might well be a good thing that a few doctors stay home. If we all go out there at once and everybody gets sick, that could be a bigger problem,” he added. At Cayman Clinic on Crewe Road, patients are being directed to call a triage number. The phones are manned by Dr. Heidi Fahy, who is in isolation herself, at home, after returning from a trip to the UK on Sunday, 15 March. She screens the calls and decides which can be dealt with over the phone, via WhatsApp, and which require an in-clinic appointment with a doctor. “We are discouraging routine appointments and trying to manage as much as we can on the phone,” she said. By isolating herself from her colleagues and patients beyond the required 14 days after travel, Fahy said she could stay healthy and serve as a ‘reserve doctor’ so the practice continues to have capacity if any of its other doctors get sick or need to be isolated. Extra precautions Dr. Virginia Hobday, also of Cayman Clinic, said patients were being seen by appointment only to avoid congregation in the waiting room. When there is a backlog, she said, patients had been willing to wait in their cars. She is taking extra precautions to keep herself safe and working by isolating from family members. “I don’t eat with them, we don’t share the same bedroom or bathroom, we see each other outside,” she said. Tele-medicine is helping doctors serve as many people as possible, but it comes with financial implications. Some doctors say that insurers have not been willing to cover consults over Skype or WhatsApp that are not directly related to COVID-19. That’s a problem for many practices, said Dr. Philip Buys of International Medical Group. “We are doing tele-consults to ensure we are not exposed and to ensure we are not creating high-risk environments for our patients, so it is COVID-related even when it is not,” he said. Buys, who is 60, said a lot of doctors on the island fell into the ‘at-risk’ age group for COVID-19 but, more crucially, so do many of their patients. He said it was important that health professionals did not become vectors for the virus. “It is not about what it means for me; it is what it means for the people that come to see me,” he said. Annikki Brown, chair of the Standing Health Insurance Committee of the Cayman Islands Insurance Association, said doctors were covered for some phone consults unrelated to COVID-19 through the Standard Health Insurance Contract. “We are mindful of protecting our vulnerable in Cayman who have underlying conditions by preventing them from having to go to the doctor’s office for renewals of their prescriptions,” she said. There are various conditions attached to the use of tele- medicine, and if and how much The doctor will Skype you now... Some medical practices have erected tents outside their offices to segregate patients with respiratory symptoms from those with everyday ailments. Cayman Clinic's Dr. Heidi Fahy consults with patients from her home, where she is in self-isolation. I issues 6doctors can bill for their time. Brown said these had been sent out to all medical practices in the Cayman Islands. She added that telemedicine should not be used as a “business continuity plan” for doctors, however. Emergencies only Dr. Eugene Foley has closed his eye clinic on Smith Road for routine appointments, though the emergency service continues. “We shut down for routine cases and we have cancelled all non-urgent elective surgeries from last week Friday (13 March),” he said. “A lot of our patients are elderly, and it would be a disaster for them if they were exposed to the virus.” He said he would be dealing with emergencies on a case-by-case basis, but the large majority of procedures and surgeries in the schedule could be safely postponed. Essential sight-saving eye injections will continue uninterrupted under conditions carefully managed to reduce risk to patient and practitioner. Foley said social distancing must be observed as completely as possible by everyone in Cayman and hr is not sure that is yet happening. He believes tele-medicine can help doctors avoid face-to-face contact and allow elderly patients to get the care they need without risking social interaction at a time when it could put them in grave danger. He also cautioned everyone to be more careful in daily life to prevent avoidable accidents and illnesses that might land people unnecessarily in emergency departments. Since the closure of schools, he said, there had been a noticeable increase in leisure-related issues that have needed emergency treatment. Other practices made announcements on their Facebook pages or web pages of reduced hours or appointment procedures. Seven Mile Medical Clinic is only seeing emergency patients, but remains open for telephone consultations. Royale Medical and Wellness Centre remains open but recommends anyone with a cough, fever or shortness of breath to call before coming in. The centre is also operating a round-the-clock tele-medicine service. Dentists and vets also impacted Dentists are also closing their doors for all but emergency cases. A spokesman for Strand Dental said elective appointments and check- ups were being cancelled. Many vets remain open but with protocols in place to segregate humans in the waiting room. There is no current evidence that dogs and cats can spread the virus. Jennie Boyers, manager at Island Vets, said the practice was taking precautions and cancelling routine surgeries, but remained open and available on the phone for emergencies. Doctors urge: ‘Stay Home Cayman’ Doctors across the island have collaborated on a public health video campaign urging people not to leave their homes unless completely necessary. The Stay Home Cayman video can be viewed on caymancompass.com. At Pasadora Place on Friday, printed signs on the glass paneled fronts of physiotherapists and doctors' practices alerted patients to the new protocols. 7We are open for business although office hours are limited. Reception open 8-10:30am Mon-Fri only until further notice. Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass Follow Cayman Compass online at caymancompass.com or our social media pages to keep abreast of the coronavirus crisis. VICKI WHEATON vwheaton@compassmedia.ky It seems that not just the stock market is suffering in these coronavirus times. Film studios that released movies just as social distancing was beginning are now trying to find ways to make up for the money they have lost due to cinemas closing or people staying home. Their loss is our gain, as they say. Imagine my surprise when I saw that you could rent ‘Emma.’ and ‘The Invisible Man’ on iTunes, only a month after they both opened in theatres. A day later, ‘Onward’ – the latest offering from Disney Pixar – was available to buy. This well-received animated flick hit screens in the US on 6 March. In the past, the only way to watch mainstream releases this new, outside the cinema, was to get your hands on pirated versions with Korean subtitles or be a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. An exception would be if a film got ghastly reviews [insert Nicholas Cage here] and there was no other choice than to dump it on the home market. Otherwise, this is a pretty unprecedented move. Early releases of top-rated films on iTunes Mr. Elton (Josh O'Connor) and Mrs. Elton (Tanya Reynolds) take tea at the Woodhouse home. 'Emma.' has been released early on iTunes and is available for rent. From left, Aldis Hodge as James Lanier, Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia Kass, and Storm Reid as Sydney Lanier. We haven’t got around to watching ‘Onward’ yet, but my best friend Lynne and I devoured the two other films over the weekend. That probably wasn’t a great idea, in retrospect, as we’ve got some weeks ahead of us before things go back to normal – we should have spread out the bounty – but we were weak. ‘Emma.’ Rotten Tomatoes score: 85% This latest film adaptation of the Jane Austen novel stars Anna Taylor-Joy (Emma), Johnny Flynn (George Knightley) and Bill Nighy (Mr. Woodhouse), and is directed by Autumn de Wilde. In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow played the role, and Kate Beckinsale also stepped into the shoes in the very same year for a TV movie. Then there was the BBC mini-series in 2009 starring Romola Garai as the protagonist; and who can forget Alicia Silverstone in 1995’s ‘Clueless’ which was also loosely based on the story? Clearly Austen’s tale does not get older in the retelling. In this version, it is the 1800s, and Emma Woodhouse is a privileged young lady who entertains herself by playing matchmaker for those around her. Her latest project is Harriet Smith, a ninny in the nicest possible way, who Emma tries to throw together with Mr. Elton. However, her attempts at matchmaking cause more problems than solutions and may ultimately jeopardise her own chance at love and happiness. Whereas Paltrow’s Emma was quite agreeable, Taylor-Joy’s approach is definitely more prickly, and therefore she distinguishes herself from previous interpretations. She wears her snobbishness on her sleeve, along with her intolerance of those she deems to be boring and dull. Nighy is, as ever, fabulous in the role of her father who does not wish to ever see her leave home, and Flynn is a rougher-looking- than-usual, handsome Mr. Knightley … and a very good one. The full cast is excellent, with terrific turns from Miranda Hart as Miss Bates and Josh O’Connor as Mr. Elton, all the way to Angus Imrie who plays one of the Woodhouses’ house staff, Bartholomew, who has very few lines, but whose facial expressions say it all. The costumes are stunning, with the gorgeous backdrops of English countryside and stately homes thoroughly realised, thanks to brilliant cinematography. ‘Emma.’ is a light romantic comedy and just what the doctor ordered at a time like this. With strong performances, breathtaking visuals and a sharp script, I highly recommend it. ‘The Invisible Man’ Rotten Tomatoes score: 92% I was gutted when I couldn’t see this in the cinema, and so was particularly thrilled to see it appear on the iTunes list. This could not be further from the lighthearted romp that ‘Emma.’ is. It is dark, mysterious and has jumps aplenty in store for the audience. It is also very smartly written and executed, which lifts it above the run-of-the-mill horror flick. Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding, aided by her sister Emily (Harriet Dyer), their childhood friend James (Aldis Hodge) and his teenage daughter Sydney (Storm Reid). But when Cecilia’s abusive ex, Adrian, (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) commits suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his vast fortune, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see. Directed and written by Leigh Whannell, this movie is a doozy. Moss has had plenty of training for this role, thanks to her award- winning turn in the critically acclaimed series, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She is all eyes and emotion as she tries to get past the abuse of her husband and deal with the news of his death, while being unable to shake the feeling that he is still around. There are a number of moments that you won’t see coming and don’t be surprised if you find yourself watching some of it through your fingers. Lynne had to pause it several times to breathe before being ready to sit down again. If you can manage it, watch with the lights off. Both films are available on iTunes. They are only available for rent at present at US$19.99, which isn’t cheap, but if you have two or more people in the house, it’s less than you would have paid to see it at the cinema. The rental gets you a 48-hour viewing window in case you need more time between pauses of ‘The Invisible Man’. 8TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics are probably going to happen, but almost surely in 2021 rather than in four months as planned. That became clear after the International Olympic Committee on Sunday announced it was considering a postponement and would make a final decision within four weeks. Major Olympic nations like Canada and Australia have added pressure by saying they will not send teams if the games are staged this year. IOC President Thomas Bach sent a letter to athletes explaining the decision, while also acknowledging the extended timeline might not be popular. “I know that this unprecedented situation leaves many of your questions open,” he wrote. “I also know that this rational approach may not be in line with the emotions many of you have to go through.” The IOC’s move seemed inevitable for weeks with pressure mounting from all quarters – athletes, sponsors, broadcasters, more than 200 national Olympic committees and international sports federations. Shortly after Bach’s statement, the Canadian Olympic Committee said it would not send athletes to the Olympics unless the games are postponed by a year. Australia issued a statement saying it was advising its athletes to prepare for an Olympics in 2021. John Coates is the head of the Australian Olympic Committee and the IOC member who heads the inspection team for Tokyo. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe sent a letter to Bach saying that holding the Olympics in July “is neither feasible nor desirable”. He outlined a number of reasons, including competitive fairness, the likelihood athletes would overtrain if given a compressed schedule and the uncertainty caused by orders in many countries barring people from gyms and other workout venues. National Olympic committees in Brazil and Slovenia had also called for postponement until 2021. Norway’s Olympic body said it did not want athletes going to Tokyo until the global health crisis is under control. The United States governing bodies of swimming and track – two of the three top-tier Summer Games sports – had called on their national Olympic officials to push for a postponement. Japan’s politicians fell in line quickly on Monday as they awakened to Bach’s move, which was announced at 3am in Tokyo as most of the city slept. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, speaking at a parliamentary session, said a postponement of the Tokyo Olympics would be necessary if the games cannot be held in a complete way because of the coronavirus pandemic. “If it is difficult to hold (the games) in a complete way, a decision of postponement would be unavoidable,” he said. Abe said he hoped the IOC would announce a decision quickly, and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike echoed him. The IOC holds most of the cards in any rescheduling, spelled out in a Host City Contract signed in 2013 between the IOC, the Japanese Olympic Committee and the city of Tokyo. Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organise the Olympics, but a national audit put the figure at more than twice that much. The bill is sure to increase with any postponement, and the vast majority of the spending if from the public treasury. The IOC has a reserve fund of about $2 billion to tide itself over, and also has insurance against postponement or cancellation. Michael Martin Cruz punished for his role in alleged assault of a referee SEAFORD RUSSELL JR. srussell@compassmedia.ky Bodden Town’s Michael Martin Cruz has been suspended for 10 years from all action coordinated by the Cayman Islands Football Association. In a press release from CIFA, Martin Cruz was named as the player behind the alleged assault of referee Ben Whitty following a league match between Bodden Town FC and Academy SC on 23 Jan. The ruling came after an appeal from the Cayman Islands Referee Association, following the CIFA disciplinary committee decision to allow Bodden Town to play again this season. CIRA appealed the decision, saying it was inappropriate. On 25 Feb, a hearing was held on the CIRA appeal. CIRA presented an application to have Martin Cruz’s initial six-year ban increased to 10 years, according to the release. Footage taken by CIFA officials of the incident was provided as evidence. In addition, the committee noted that Martin Cruz had nothing to do with the initial red card that sparked the altercation, but while referee Whitty was leaving the pitch heading towards to the changing room, the player chased after him and struck the referee from behind. The committee granted the CIRA appeal against Martin Cruz and increased his suspension to 10 years effective immediately. Bodden Town’s goalkeeper, Shakur Welcome, was given the red card for allegedly throwing the ball at a linesman, which prompted officials to call off the match. Welcome has been banned for three years. The CIRA also appealed for Bodden Town Football Club to receive a two-year probation “for failing to control their fans”. Bodden Town board members argued it is difficult for any club to be held directly responsible for the actions of their fans given the difficulty in segregating people attending matches, identifying allegiances and monitoring behaviour. CIRA was unable to identify specific violations committed by Bodden Town in the association’s governing documents. The CIFA committee noted in the release that the club shared its concerns about the inherent risk and difficulty of applying this offence in the Cayman Islands environment given the absence of any formal or required controls. The committee said, in its opinion, the club, in failing to control its players, did commit misconduct and that this should be subject to sanction; however, the committee was unable to support the application of two years’ probation for the club. Instead, the committee fined Bodden Town $2,000 for misconduct as a result of the match being abandoned because 10-year ban for Bodden Town player Bodden Town games since returning CIFA President’s Cup quarterfinals 1 MarchBodden Town FCdef.East End UFC4-1. CIFA President’s Cup semifinals 3 MarchScholars ISCdef.Bodden Town3-1 CIFA Premier League 11 MarchBodden Towndef.George Town2-0 Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, speaking at a parliamentary session in Tokyo on Monday, said a postponement of Tokyo Olympics may be unavoidable. From left, Bodden Town's Barry Solomon, Kyle Santamaria, Tyrese Berry and Ricoh Brown. Bodden Town was fined $2,000 for an incident that happened earlier this season. Bodden Town penalties Bodden Town fined $2,000 for misconduct Bodden Town’s Michael Martin Cruz suspended for 10 years Bodden Town’s Shakur Welcome suspended for three years Tokyo Olympics likely to be postponed of its player’s involvement with the incident. The club paid 50% of the fine immediately, and the remaining 50% must be paid by 30 June in order for Bodden Town to be allowed to participate in any CIFA-sanctioned competition or related activities. Bodden Town coach Danu Smith was also mentioned in the CIRA appeal. The application claimed that Smith passed a displeasing remark during the incident. Smith denied saying anything that could be considered inciteful and/or offensive, to which the committee let him off with a verbal warning. The CIFA committee emphasised that Bodden Town has a responsibility to manage its players and to ensure that they behave in an appropriate manner. The committee also noted that there is an open Royal Cayman Islands Police Service investigation into the 23 Jan. incident. Bodden Town has played three times this month and was scheduled to play their final league round last weekend against East End UFC. All CIFA-related activities have been postponed due to concerns over COVID-19. cayman compass 9 S sport TUESDAY, 24 MARCH 2020Next >