COVID-19 In The Cayman Islands

Latest Figures On COVID-19

 

 

Worried You Might Have COVID-19?

Start a confidential COVID-19 self-assessment.

 

Need To Apply For An Exemption?

Apply for an exemption from soft curfew using our online form.

 

Latest Advice

There are 5 levels of suppression

The details are are unique to each island, and two islands may be on the same level at the same time but have different provisions. See below for the specific details.

WhatsApp Image 2020-05-17 at 7.28.43 PM

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is operating under suppression level 3. Restrictions were partially lifted as of Monday, 1 June and additional restrictions were lifted from Sunday, 7 June. Download pdf.

Keeping Cayman Safe - Suppression Level 3 - Grand Cayman only (Effective June 7 2020)

Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac is operating under suppression level 3. Additional restrictions were lifted from Sunday, 7 June. Download pdf.

Keeping Cayman Safe - Suppression Level 3 - Cayman Brac only (Effective June 7 2020)

Little Cayman

Little Cayman is operating under suppression level 2. Download more details

568292669_Suppression_L2_LC_Landscape

On Monday, 1 June, the Prevention, Control and Suppression of Covid-19 (Partial Lifting of Restrictions) Regulations, 2020 came into effect.

 

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is currently following a "soft curfew" during the day from 4:30am to 10pm, followed by a "hard curfew" each night from 10pm to 4:30am. 

The soft curfew allows the population limited movement to conduct essential tasks and is provided for under the Regulations under the Public Health Law. The hard curfew at nighttime is enacted by order of the Commissioner of Police under the Police Law. 

Residents are reminded that staying home, practising social distancing, and frequent hand washing will reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing and wearing of masks or cloth face coverings in public places is legally required.

Read our Curfew & Social Distancing page and COVID-19 FAQs: Grand Cayman to understand what is permitted.

 

Cayman Brac

Regulations under the Public Health Law place certain restrictions on activities in Cayman BracThere is also a daily hard curfew from 10pm to 4:30am in accordance with the Police Law.

Residents are reminded that staying home, practising social distancing, and frequent hand washing will reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing and wearing of masks or cloth face coverings in public places is legally required.

Read our COVID-19 FAQs: Cayman Brac to understand what is permitted.

 

Little Cayman

Regulations under the Public Health Law place limited restrictions on activities in Little Cayman. There is currently no hard curfew or soft curfew, though physical distancing and wearing of masks or cloth face coverings (if physical distancing is impossible) in public places is legally required.

Read our COVID-19 FAQs: Little Cayman to understand what is permitted.

In public places, maintain six feet or two metres of distance from other people and wear a face mask or face covering when in public enclosed or indoor spaces.

In Grand Cayman, no more than six people may gather in public unless they live in the same household and private parties that include people from more than one household are banned at all times and in all places.

In Grand Cayman, you may exercise indoors in your private property and in your private yard space at any time. You may exercise outside your property for up to two hours a day between 4:45am and 9pm. Read more.

Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman answers frequently asked questions, which were last updated 22 May 2020. Read more.

The Office of the Ombudsman is aware of concerns that individuals are seeking to identify, and even publicly expose, people who are infected with COVID-19. Aside from the moral, ethical and societal implications surrounding the stigma associated with naming and shaming another human being, there are legal implications if sensitive personal data is made public. Read more

Persons over the age of two must wear a face mask or face covering when in most public enclosed or indoor spaces as well as while in taxis or omnibuses or waiting for public transportation in a semi-enclosed space. There are limited exceptions. Read more.

Covering your nose and mouth in this way can only work in combination with frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub and social distancing, which includes staying home as much as possible.

Individual businesses across all three Islands may have their own rules and refuse entry to customers that do not comply.

See also When & Why To Wear A Mask In The Cayman Islands.

If you have an urgent need to travel between the Cayman Islands and any other destination, please click here to submit your information using our new online tool. Alternatively, contact 244-3333 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or email emergencytravel@gov.ky

As COVID-19 testing increases and local transmission numbers come down in the Cayman Islands, employers will need to consider how to manage safely the process of returning employees to the workplace. Whether indoors or outdoors, workplaces will be required to comply with government and health guidelines of social distancing and infection prevention practices to ensure the safety of their workers and the general public. Prior to the phased reopening of workplaces, businesses and employers should put in place health and safety measures of which employees, visitors and customers must follow.

Developed by the Ministry of Health in consultation with the Public Health Department, these guidelines provide measures to prevent the spread of any potential community cases and facilitate a phased and safe re-entry of Cayman’s workforce. The guidelines should be reviewed in light of current government guidance.

 

Policies In Action

The "hard" curfew remains in effect in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac from 10pm in the evening until 4:30am in the morning each day.

Persons are required to remain in their homes and premises during these hours unless the Commissioner of Police has exempted them from doing so in writing. 

In Little Cayman there is no hard curfew in effect at this time.

Grand Cayman

Referred to as "Shelter in Place", the daytime "soft" curfew in Grand Cayman allows reasonable movement of persons between 4:30am and 10pm for essential activities.

Access to outdoor exercise, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, restaurants and bars is not restricted by surname. However, adults with surnames beginning in A through K are only allowed to conduct other essential travel to public places - including supermarkets, convenience stores, minimarts, gas stations, banks, post offices, money remittance facilities and retail businesses - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Adults with surnames beginning in L through Z are only allowed to conduct such essential travel on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, any person may travel to a convenience store, minimart or gas station. Individuals with hyphenated or multiple surnames should use the first letter of the first surname.

Read more on Curfew & Social Distancing

 

Cayman Brac

While the Shelter in Place regulation does not apply to Cayman Brac, there are some restrictions on activities. Read more in our COVID-19 FAQs: Cayman Brac.

 

Little Cayman

There are no restrictions on movement in Little Cayman. Read more in our COVID-19 FAQs: Little Cayman.

On Grand Cayman, persons are only to leave their homes for essential purposes or in the case of an emergency and should maintain a distance of at least six feet or two metres from any person outside of their household. 

Only essential establishments, institutions, businesses, organisations and offices are allowed to be open and operate under a number of restrictions.

Read more on Curfew & Social Distancing

Grand Cayman

No more than six persons are allowed to gather in public for any reason. Processions and festive ceremonies are also not to be held, regardless of the number of participants.

While in a public place, stay at least six feet or two metres from any other person who is not a member of your household, including while exercising outdoors. Private parties which include any person from outside of the immediate household are banned and strata gyms and all playgrounds are to remain closed.

Most essential businesses are exempt from the ban on public gatherings. However, the owner or operator must restrict the number of customers in order to maintain physical distancing. 

Weddings are not to include 10 or more people other than the bride, groom, official witnesses and the marriage officer. Funerals are only allowed to be attended by up to 10 members of the immediate family, six pallbearers, at least one officiant, and essential mortuary staff. 

While workplaces are not considered public places, only essential operations are open and even essential staff must work remotely at home if they are able.

Cayman Brac

No person shall hold any procession or festive ceremony until further notice. Public meetings may not include more than 25 people, including gatherings in any public place for parades, sporting events, concerts, conventions, conferences, graduations and fundraisers.

Inside public places, the owner or operator must restrict the number of customers at any one time so that each customer is able to distance himself or herself at least six feet or two metres from any other person. 

People are required to maintain a distance of six feet or two metres from any other person in a public place. Masks or cloth face coverings are required indoors in most public places for persons over the age of two years.

Little Cayman

Inside public places, the owner or operator must restrict the number of customers at any one time so that each customer is able to distance himself or herself at least six feet or two metres from any other person.

If you are indoors in a public place, you must maintain a distance of at least six feet or two metres from another person unless you live in the same household. If unable to maintain a distance of six feet or two metres from every other person in a public place, masks or cloth face coverings are required indoors for persons over the age of two years.

Airports are currently closed to international passengers except for emergency flights, cruise ships and private yachts are not being accepted at sea ports, and travel to the Sister Islands is restricted to residents and essential personnel. Read more.

Amendments to the National Pensions Law were passed in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, 23 April 2020 to provide for a pension holiday from 1 April to 30 September 2020 or such later date as may be appointed by Order made by the Cabinet. Qualifying pension plan members may also withdraw funds from their account subject to certain provisions. Read more.

Apply Now

In addition to the establishment of the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development, Government has implemented a number of measures to support local business and commerce. These include financial assistance for small and medium businesses and the transport industry, temporary waiver of Trade & Business Licensing fees, extension of the temporary layoff period for most industries, virtual conduct of notarial acts, and others. Read more.

 

 

We Work With

What is COVID-19?

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, which was first identified in Wuhan City, China in 2019. The COVID-19 virus (which is called SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the coronavirus family (a group of viruses) that has never been encountered before. 

 

What Are the Symptoms?

The virus most commonly causes:

  • coughing 
  • fever
  • tiredness
  • breathing difficulties
  • loss of smell and taste

These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually but commonly occur within 1-10 days after a person has been exposed.

Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Around one out of every six people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. 

 

How Do I Get More Information?

This official Cayman Islands Government website includes a lot of helpful information that is constantly being updated, including a detailed explanation of the Daytime "Soft" Curfew and Nighttime "Hard" Curfew that are in place in Grand Cayman, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and details of Policies in Action across the Cayman Islands. We also have a list of helplines for critical services.

If you have medical questions, many resources are available on this website and at hsa.ky/coronavirus. If you can't find what you're looking for or have a question about your specific situation, contact your General Practitioner or the 24-hour Flu Hotline on 1-800-534-8600 or 925-6327 (Flow) or 947-3077 (Digicel) or email flu@hsa.ky . If you have a medical emergency dial 911.

If you have a non-medical question and can't find the answer on this website, contact the National Emergency Operations Centre hotline on 1-800-534-6555 or email NEOC@gov.ky.

 

Cayman Islands Community & COVID-19

We may be limited in our physical movements by practising social distancing to stay safe. What you can still do is stay connected to your Cayman Community. Learn about what's happening with your neighbours and the community at large here.

 

Regional Tracker & WHO Situation Reports

Get updates from the Pan American Health Organization here. Get global updates from the World Health Organization here.

 

COVID-19 Latest Live Update

 

 

household guidance

Guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection. Read more

vulnerable people
Information for vulnerable people at high risk and their carers. Read more
business guidance

Information on COVID-19 and guidance for businesses. Read more

education guidance
COVID-19 information for schools and other educational settings. Read more
travel advice

Travel advice and restrictions from the Cayman Islands Government. Read more

mental wellbeing
Information on maintaining your mental well-being and safety. Read more
latest news

Information for the public, including on the current situation in the Cayman Islands. Read more

public health info

An explanation of how COVID-19 is spread and how to avoid catching or spreading the virus. Read more

resurces and downloads

Download our graphics, videos, informational booklets and other resources on COVID-19. Read more

frontline staff

Information for front-line and essential workers in the Cayman Islands. Read more

policies in action

Information the public on COVID-19 policies in Cayman Islands. Read more

get help

Hotlines and contact details for information and support in Cayman Islands. Read more

COVID-19 FAQs

 

What is COVID-19? 

The information and studies we are receiving on COVID-19 grow by the day, and so does the understanding. The advice from our Chief Medical Officer is that shared by national public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control in the USA, Public Health England and the World Health Organization. Read more.

 

What Suppression Levels are We On?

We are currently on the following suppression levels for the Cayman Islands. Each suppression level and guidance is specific to each island:

Grand Cayman, Suppression Level 3
Cayman Brac, Suppression Level 3
Little Cayman, Suppression Level 2

The latest suppression information for the Cayman Islands can be found here.

 

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you are having a medical emergency, including difficulty breathing, dial 911. Unless you require emergency medical care, stay home. Do not visit a medical centre or hospital. Call your General Practitioner or the 24-hour Flu Hotline 1-800-534-8600 / 925-6327 (Flow) / 947-3077 (Digicel) or email flu@hsa.ky for advice. You can also take our online COVID-19 self-assessment here to determine if you may need care. 

 

What should businesses do?

The Cayman Islands Government issued advice on how to prepare ahead of a potential community case. We are also keeping this website updated to reflect the latest policies, advice and Government relief measures for businesses. Read more

 

View all of our frequently asked questions on COVID-19 here.

Prevention Tips

 

The best way to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19 is to practice these three tips:

  • Catch it. Catch a cough or sneeze in a tissue. If you have nothing to use, use your elbow and not your hands.
  • Bin it. Bin the tissues after use. Viruses can live for hours in tissues.
  • Kill it. By avoiding close contact with those suffering from acute respiratory illness, avoiding travel if you have flu-like symptoms (or a cough or a fever) we can help kill the virus.

 

Cayman Prepared

Hazard Management Cayman Islands has overall responsibility for the national Comprehensive Disaster Management programme, including preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery.

HMCI is responsible for the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which is activated to direct and coordinate the response to national threats. Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Room

 

Friday, 12 June Government Update: Out of 599 test results, one is positive from community transmission. Despite one person being hospitalised for COVID-19 symptoms today, the Cayman Islands continues to be on track for further phased easing of restrictions on 21 June. The priority remains for Caymanians and Permanent Residents over work permit holders to return to the Islands via evacuation flights. CIG Cares Community Support Programme to launch next week. The civil service is preparing to resume 100 per cent service in next phase of reopening. Read more. 

Minister Of Health Highlights Blood Donor Day, Mental Health Symposium, Stipends For Musicians and Health Insurance Premium Assistance. Read more

 

Ministry Response to OES Inspection Report on Home Learning in Government Schools. Read more.

► Thursday, 11 June Testing Update: Of the 556 tests carried out since yesterday's press conference there are six positive results. Read more.

 

Notice of Travel for Students on Overseas Scholarships. Read more.

 

► Wednesday, 10 June Testing Update: Of the 649 tests carried out since yesterday's press conference there are four positive results. Read more.

 

HSA Leads National Response to COVID-19 With Further Expansion of Testing Capabilities. Read more

 

 

Read all news

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CAYMAN ISLANDS HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITY (HSA)

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USA CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PROTECTION (CDC)

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PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND (PHE)

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WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)

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CARIBBEAN PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY (CARPHA)

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