CAYMAN UNDER CURFEW

The Cayman Islands is under a 9pm to 5am curfew effective Tuesday March 24th for the next 10 days.

The decision, announced by His Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper came as he announced that the number of COVID-19 cases in Cayman has increased from three to five.

The curfew will be reviewed every 48 hours.

While a State of Emergency has not been declared the Governor said that possibility is under review.

Governor Roper said the islands are not being shut down but considering the large numbers of people who returned over the weekend, it was necessary to take steps to discourage large gatherings risking the further spread of the disease.

He also said the next ten days would be critical in determining what further steps might be necessary.

The gravity of the situation facing the Cayman Islands was forcefully and passionately driven home by Premier Hon.Alden McLaughlin.

The Premier announced a further tightening up of restrictions in addition to the curfew with a new series of measures which take immediate effect.

He announced that Cabinet has decided to reduce the maximum number of persons assembling in groups from 50 to 10, except for workplaces.

Public transportation is being suspended for the next two weeks except taxis who are restricted to two passengers with adequate spacing.

The curfew and other measured will be enforced by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

Premier McLaughlin sounded a note of caution regarding usage of the beaches where he observed that there were many examples of “irresponsible behaviour” by many people including those who he felt would know better.

In reprimanding those engaged is such conduct, the Premier was at pains to remind of the importance of social distancing to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

Speaking about the importance of the beaches to community life, the Premier said if the trend continues of people flouting the regulations, the Government will be left with no alternative but to close the beaches.

Premier McLaughlin said the intensified actions now being instituted reflect the seriousness of the situation and are necessary actions to slow the spread of the disease and to curb the chances of community transmission.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country under lockdown on Monday.

Gatherings are limited to two people in public and police will have the power to enforce by dispersing groups and issuing fines.

People will only be allowed to leave their home for essential shopping for basic necessities including medicines, and travelling to work only as necessary.

The UK lockdown will be in place for three weeks initially.