HE Governor Martyn Roper and Hon. Premier Wayne Panton have welcomed the news that Cayman has been added to the UK’s green travel list.
In separate statements following the release of the anxiously-awaited new list, Mr Roper said he is delighted that Cayman has been added to the green list.
“This is welcome recognition for Cayman’s outstanding response to the global pandemic,” he said.
Premier Panton said it was "excellent news" and a recognition of Cayman's "excellent record in relation to our management of COVID-19.”
In his statement, Mr Roper credits the successful lobbying efforts of Cayman in getting the upgrade from the previous amber to the much-sought-after green list.
“This move from amber to green comes as a result of a huge effort from the Ministry of Health, HSA and my office. I was also grateful to the Premier for writing to the UK Minister. My office has continued to provide updated information to the UK Department of Transport on Cayman’s Covid situation. This includes information on local Covid policies, vaccine uptake and our genomic sequencing capacity which has strengthened our case."
"I believed we had set out a compelling case as to why Cayman should be green and this latest review has proved that,” the Governor stated.
Mr Roper further explained that: “This means from 30 June travellers from Cayman going direct to England will not need to quarantine on arrival. You will, however still need proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours before travelling and also need to take an additional PCR test on day 2 after you arrive.”
He reminded that the UK travel traffic light lists are kept under constant review and if the situation warrants it, changes can be made at any time ahead of the three-week review points.
Hon. Premier Wayne Panton applauded the efforts of Governor Roper in securing the upgrade to the green list for Cayman.
“This is indeed excellent and welcomed news. I once again thank the Governor and his office for their tireless assistance in getting us off the amber list and into the green category."
While welcoming the news, the Premier also thanked the British government for the vaccine donations and urged residents who have not yet had their jab to get vaccinated in the interest of their own health and the greater community good - including reaching the threshold to safely reopen the biorders.
“I cannot thank the UK Government enough for providing us with free vaccine. I also thank the people in the Cayman Islands who have taken the opportunity to get vaccinated. I still urge anyone who has not taken the vaccine to do so in order to help keep our residents safe once we are able to reopen our border.”
Except for Malta, all the countries added to the UK's green list on Thursday -including Cayman - have been placed on what the British government calls a 'watch list'.
This means that they could be returned to the amber list if there's a surge of the virus in their respective territories.
The UK also says it intends to remove the guidance that people should not travel to amber countries.
Related article: CAYMAN UPGRADED TO UK'S GREEN TRAVEL LIST
https://www.caymaniantimes.ky/news/cayman-upgraded-to-the-uk-s-green-travel-list?fbclid=IwAR3tE-Bu1_3Cwoc9psRTRK2p1dSAcdl-9CuKqTtfagVcslacVXFiRAd_b3I
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