At the COVID-19 press conference, Friday, 5 June 2020, Cayman Islands' leaders highlighted further easing of restrictions on Grand Cayman from this Sunday 7 June onwards.
This includes reopening of outdoor bar and restaurant operations, while following strict protocols in place.
In addition, the maximum number of persons permitted to attend a public gathering will increase to six on Sunday. This also means that up to six persons may exercise together outdoors and on beaches. Throughout the activity, all are encouraged to remain with their original group to avoid potential spread of COVID-19. Prayers at today's press conference were led by Rev. Elsa Bobb.
The Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin noted that the Cayman Islands "is the most successful" nation in the world in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, while acknowledging that the Cayman Islands' size, scale and population help in this regard. "But let us continue to do what we know is working and not get too far ahead of ourselves," he cautioned.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee reported:
Out of 694 test results, four are positive - with one from a known contact.
A total of 13,947 have been tested to date.
On Cayman Brac, following the enhanced screening, a total of 1,017 or 51% of the population there have been tested now and a total of 41% of the Brac population is negative. There have been some three positives on Cayman Brac to date with some 200 results are still pending.
Out of 164 positive cases so far, currently one is symptomatic, 69 asymptomatic, and 93 have recovered.
The 'flu clinic had 11 visits on Thursday and the 'flu hotline got 16 calls about symptoms out of 31 calls received.
At government run isolation facilities, there are 54 individuals at present as well as 220 individuals isolated in their homes. Two in isolation in the prison at Fairbanks are now released as they have returned two negative tests.
Many of the people picked up over the last few weeks, even though their viral count is quite low, are still infectious and the lab is still able to grow viruses from their test sample.
Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin said:
The tests continue to produce "very encouraging" results. However, the positive rate for the Islands is running between 1.3% and 1.5%; a "sobering" fact. This translates to 947 persons out in the community who have the active virus in their bodies.
This underlines the importance of maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks in public places and practising proper hygiene.
As more restrictions are eased, the onus on the public is greater to follow protocols strictly to ensure the Islands remain at the current easing of restrictions or advance to further easing.
For Caymanian individuals impacted negatively by the tourism industry downturn, Government has extended the deadline to register for assistance. The plan is to provide $1,000 each for three months. Details about how to apply are given in the sidebar below.
For the full list of further easing of restrictions coming into force from this Sunday, 7 June, see sidebar below.
His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper said:
With almost 20% of the population now tested or nearly 14,000 people, the Cayman Islands' achievement in this regard is impressive.
The results also continue to be encouraging.
Sunday is a significant milestone as restrictions are further eased. However, "we must continue to do all we can do to keep the virus at bay."
The recruitment campaign for 50 part-time reservists for the Cayman Islands Regiment starts today.
The British Navy ships, HMS Medway and RFA Argus will be in the Cayman for two weeks to conduct exercises that will follow strict protocols to ensure the crew on the ships, who are currently COVID-19 free, remain that way.
For all details, see sidebar below.
Health Minister Dwayne Seymour said:
Medical practitioners should strictly adhere to current guidelines when seeing patients.
The children's helpline is a free resource available to the young to access a private, non-judgmental service.
Today is World Environment Day, which serves as a reminder to encourage effective environmental action.
Department of Environmental Health reminds persons that the landfill is open for drop off on a name day basis.