New regs to curtail Omicron spread

Government has introduced new Covid-19 regulations that affect travellers to Cayman and the hospitality industry and which, they hope, will protect Cayman’s most vulnerable groups from getting this more highly transmissable variant of Covid. The new Omicron variant has already been detected in Cayman in one traveller from the US and is suspected in ten others. The new regulations took effect last Friday 17 December, and include notable changes to testing protocols, public gathering limits and bar/nightclub operating hours.

Travel

The additional quarantine requirement for travelers from restricted countries from the previously issued regulations has been lifted in light of the current rate of Omicron transmission globally. The new regulations also update the terms “departure” or “departure of the person’s flight to the Islands” to allow travellers that have obtained a direct airside transit visa 24 hours in between their connecting flights to enter the Cayman Islands. Travellers who have direct airside transit visas are not allowed to leave the airport.

Positive LFT testing

Public Health now requires persons who receive a positive lateral flow test (LFT) result for Covid-19 to also be tested via PCR. People who test positive, whether via a self-reported LFT or a Certified LFT, must take a PCR test at the next available opportunity. Testing for these persons takes place daily from 1-2pm at the South Sound Community Centre.

The public is reminded that it is mandatory to report a positive LFT result and to follow Public Health’s guidance on isolation. Anyone who fails to report their positive LFTs are guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a fine.

Households of persons who have tested positive for the Omicron variant must isolate for a minimum of 14 days regardless of their vaccination status.

Public meetings/gatherings

Large events of more than 250 people made possible by partitioned venues will no longer be permitted. Events must be limited to 100 people for indoor venues and 250 people for outdoor venues. There is no longer an exemption to exceed the public gathering limit if event organisers require attendees to utilise approved tests.

In addition, closing hours at bars and nightclubs will be reduced to midnight until 30 December, starting Friday, 17 December.

Visitation to healthcare, residential home care and detention facilities

Anyone visiting a patient in a healthcare, home care or prison setting must either provide proof of a negative approved test, taken on the day of visit or administer an approved test at the facility before being granted admission.

For more information about travel requirements, regulations and other Covid-19 response measures in the Cayman Islands, please visit the official Cayman Islands Government web portal, www.gov.ky/coronavirus.