CI Businesses Begin to Reemerge

Most sectors of Businesses in the Cayman Islands will be open as of Sunday, 21st June, as the Cayman Islands eases to Level 2 of its COVID-19 suppression response effort.

The ease of measures allowing businesses to resume their activities, fortuitously coincides with the recent payout of pensions and will mean that there is plenty of cash around from the injection.

Further softening of restrictions from 21st June to 5th July to 19th July will mean that persons will no longer be subject to shelter in place requirements or to restrictions regarding traveling to certain places on certain days based on their surname.

Masks must by used when in places where persons cannot keep 6ft away from one another however.

There is also no more prohibition of visiting people’s homes and people can gather in groups of up to 25 persons in Grand Cayman; the same as in Cayman Brac.

There are no such restrictions in Little Cayman. However, social distancing and wearing of masks is still being practiced there.

All public gatherings will continue to be banned throughout the Cayman Islands.

Establishments such as barbers, spas, masseuse services and dental offices must institute social distancing guidelines and enforce wearing of masks. More than 25 persons may gather at these places of businesses; provided social distancing can be maintained and mask wearing recommendations are followed.

The Government recommends operating remotely, if businesses are unable to achieve proper social distancing at the office.

“No words can describe the excitement to get back to work after three months. We truly missed our customers and look forward to hearing about everyone’s lockdown experience,” noted Cindy Oostvogels of Polished Nail Salon and Spa.

“We are so thankful to have such supportive clients, who encouraged us and checked on us during this time. All the staff have tested negative, taken online sanitising courses, and all protocols will be followed as far as social distancing, using of sanitiser, masks and gloves, as well as cleaning before, after and in between all clients to make sure everyone is safe, as that is the top priority”, she added.

Restaurants and Bars are also able to operate, though each table must be 8ft apart. There are no limitations on persons at a table but all persons must maintain 6 ft separation.

No person shall be seated or served at an indoor counter in a bar or restaurant and servers shall wear masks or face covering to serve customers.

This bodes well for local favourites such as Cayman Cabana, where the dining experience takes place outside and Owner Luigi Moxam is bringing local/Caymanian cuisine to the mainstream; creating a platform for local food that appeals to both visitors and locals.

As a result, local farmers and artisans are benefiting directly when person visit Cayman Cabana.

The restaurant’s full house on Saturday, 20th June was testament to its mass appeal and a clear indication of how eager people in the community are to enjoy social activities again.

As of 5th July, bars will be allowed to operate within the for hours which they are licensed. However there is to be no karaoke or dancing.

Weddings have also received the green light, though nor more than 25 persons - including bride, groom and marriage officer - are allowed to attend these ceremonies.

Funerals have gone from 10 persons to 25 persons being allowed and persons can exercise at any time as long as social distancing is adhered to.

There are no restrictions on beaches other than social distancing; if persons are from outside/other households.

Strata and public pools can also be accessed by persons from different households, as long as social distancing is practiced.

Scuba diving an snorkelling are allowed however persons are asked to not that they must not reuse snorkels or masks.

Caymanians can go boating again, as long as no more than 10 people onboard and there is to be no congregating of more than one vessel where number gathered exceeds 10 persons.

Boating activity in areas such as Starfish point, rampant, the Sandbar and Stingray City are prohibited.

In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, persons can also boat with no more than 10 people.

No inter-island travel to Sister Islands by boat except for transport of freight.

To travel to Sister Islands by air, individuals will have to notify the Medical Officer of Health, remain at place of isolation specified by him for 14 days and receive a negative test result for the virus.

That is the new regime from now till 4th July.

On 5th July, the following changes will hopefully occur: all educational institutions and facilities including summer camps and vacations bible schools will commence full operation, including sporting activities, but no contact sports before 19th July.

5th July will also see indoor and outdoor service for bars and restaurants, with each table 6ft apart and no limitations on persons at a table.

Strata gym and public gym are also expected to open for 5th July.

On 5th July, persons will also only need to notify the Medical Officer of health before travel and upon receiving a negative result must be transported straight to the airport.