Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lee reported on Friday, 22 May 2020 at the COVID-19 press conference that eight new cases add the total number to 129 positives in the Cayman Islands.
Only 67 are active cases, of which 12 are symptomatic, 55 are asymptomatic.
None are currently hospitalised and 61 recovered.
"Only time can provide a fuller scientific understanding regarding asymptomatic persons as well as the Islands' immunity profile", he said.
Despite seeing positives in subsequent batches of screening tests of frontline staff, the results are in line with the expectations of the medical experts. No one has attended a clinic or hospital with COVID-19 symptoms since 27 April. There is no "cause for alarm" despite the positives. Government's strategy and plan are working.
Even those positive are showing as "weakly positive", with the warm weather in the Cayman Islands believed to play a part in keeping numbers low.
However, while the positives are currently all asymptomatic, it is all the more important that protocols put in place, such as: wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and respiratory hygiene practices are strictly followed, the leaders underscored.
Reopening the economy
While acknowledging that there is community transmission, the leaders emphasised that the numbers currently appear low enough for Government to maintain its ongoing momentum to slowly and carefully re-open the economy.
There have been no positive cases among the construction industry personnel test results so far; more results are awaited from the 1,600 tests done in this sector. No pockets of concern are seen and the reopening of the construction industry remains on track. Additionally, the screening tests are limited currently to those industries that Government is concentrating on reopening in each suppression level, and are not being made open to general employers seeking to have specific employees tested.
Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin reiterated the need for patience and said testing will continue to delineate the way forward.
The Premier explained that during soft curfew, persons are only allowed out on Sundays for two reasons: going to pick up food at restaurants as well as going out to exercise.
International postal services have resumed to the US. Rules for allowing work permit holders to return to work were explained. Penalty fee waivers have been extended for May by the Water Authority.
Repatriation flights and inter-island travel
Governor Martyn Roper said the British Airways airbridge leaves tomorrow (Saturday, 23 May) heading to London and onward to Manila carrying approximately 280 Filipinos. Five junior Cayman Regiment officers will also leave on the flight to attend training at Sandhurst.
Two outbound Cayman Airways flights to Miami are scheduled for 5 and 19 June; there will be no passengers returning to the Cayman Islands on these two flights.
Additionally, those wishing to return to the Cayman Islands on any future BA airbridge flights from London, (one is planned for June although no dates are confirmed)can contact the CI Government Office in London to register for the flight by calling that office direct at +44 207 491 772 or emailing CIGO UK.
For inter-island travel which is restricted to essential personnel and for emergency medical treatment only, persons can register at Brac travel.
The Governor noted as "completely untrue" social media rumours that two positives at the Prison had triggered rioting; he urged those reporting to be mindful of the impact on the families of prison officers and the families of prisoners by such reports. "One of the hallmarks of good journalism is to check facts," he commented.
Testing and health measures
Minister for Health, Hon. Dwayne Seymour spoke to the use and distribution of testing kits and masks so far in the Cayman Islands. MLAs had been provide with 2,000 of the surgical masks for distribution in their constituencies, he added.
Features of relaxed restrictions during Level 2 Suppression are still being worked on. A concern will continue to be large gatherings.
Emergency Medical Services were praised during global EMS week; HMCI Director Dani Coleman and her team for the successful completion of a table-top hurricane preparedness exercise, Government Information Services' Chief Suzette Ebanks for her dedication and diligence during the entire ongoing crisis, to the GIS team, to all in the Government communication team, to litter crews seen in Savannah and Bodden Town, as well as the entire press conference podium team.