Tourism Sector Facing Further Closures to Combat COVID-19

In addition to the closure of the Cayman Islands’ two international airports on Sunday, 22 March 2020 at 11:59PM, further business closures in the hospitality sector have been announced to continue the fight against coronavirus spreading throughout the islands.

Focusing on the airport closures, visitors are encouraged to take the opportunity to return home, the Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, Mr Moses Kirkconnell shared: “Throughout our accommodation sector we have many visitors who arrived this week and were required to go into isolation. In order to ensure that they can leave the Cayman Islands before the full airport closure on Sunday, these travellers should act now—contact your airline provider before further reduction in flights can impede your return. While we are glad to have been your Caribbean destination of choice, we also know that there is no place like home and being near family and friends during times of crisis.” Those persons who have arrived in the Cayman Islands this week will be required to remain in isolation period of 14 days and unable to leave until the border restrictions have been lifted.

Additional government restrictions on public life will be implemented for an initial period of two weeks, starting this Sunday which will require restaurants to solely provide take-out and delivery services. In relation to bars, spas, salons, gyms and public swimming pools, these establishments will also be required to close for a period of two weeks.

“We believe as a government that this tactic will further help the Cayman Islands to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” shared Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Moses Kirkconnell. “While these measures will impact our daily life, it is right thing to do for all of us until this threat passes.”

The Minister reiterated that the restrictions on public gatherings, the closures of our airports, and other measures taken throughout the country must be adhered to, especially the departure of our visitors currently on island. “All official information is being shared throughout the community via various government channels, and we must ensure that all persons are taking it seriously.”

For more official information on the Cayman Islands’ ongoing response to the coronavirus, please visit www.gov.ky/coronavirus and www.hsa.ky/coronavirus.