New criteria to release persons from isolation

Public Health announces new criteria to release persons from isolation

Public Health has announced new criteria for the release of individuals from isolation on confirmation of positive PCR tests at the end of isolation period. The new criteria stipulate mandatory requirements in three areas:

isolation of 11 days for vaccinated or 15 days for unvaccinated,

asymptomatic for the past 72 hours, and

a CT value is 32 or over reflected on the PCR test results received via email.

Persons meeting the above criteria with a positive PCR exit test should contact the flu hotline at 1-800-534-8600 or 947-3077for a telephonic assessment.

A CT value represents the viral load of COVID-19, or the prevalence of the virus is in an individual’s system. The lower the CT value, the higher the viral load, meaning an individual is more infectious and likely to transmit the disease to others. The higher the CT value, the less infectious (ie: value of 32 and over).

“The new criteria for isolation release will allow some persons to get back to work & school, though still testing positive via PCR but not contagious and therefore not a public health risk to the community,” said Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health.

The mandatory requirement for exit PCR tests remains in effect and persons are not permitted to release themselves from isolation.

Isolation letters can be requested on this form – Click Here

Exit Testing:

COVID-19 positive individuals, who have reached the end of their isolation period, can attend any of the daily exit PCR testing clinics below from 11am – 1pm.

Ed Bush Sports Complex

Bodden Town Civic Centre

South Sound Community Centre

Once tested, individuals must return home and isolate until further instruction.

Fully vaccinated individuals are required to isolate for 10 days, with PCR test on day 11*

Individuals not fully vaccinated are required to isolate for 14 days, with PCR test on day 15*
Note: The day of your original PCR test is considered Day 0.

Individuals due for exit PCR testing include:

Persons who tested positive

Unvaccinated adult (18+) household members of a positive (in the above categories)

Fully vaccinated persons (or unvaccinated children) eligible and currently testing negative for daily lateral flow testing, do not need a PCR test.

The afternoon testing clinic is for exiting testing for community cases only. Individuals requiring regular PCR screening are encouraged to schedule an appointment online https://www.hsa.ky/appointment or visit HSA’s COVID testing walk-in clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital Monday – Friday 7:30am – 12pm or Saturdays 10am – 12pm.

If you are positive for COVID-19 and you develop symptoms or if existing symptoms worsen by calling the flu hotline on 1-800-534-8600 or 947-3077 or email flu@hsa.ky.