08/07/2021
We would like to extend apologies for the lack of posts regarding the reopening of the Cayman borders, but it was simply because we had no news!
So just in case any of you have not forgotten us and are hoping to come and dive with us again someday, please see below.
We miss you all!!
Thank you to the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce for hosting the very important Legislative Luncheon today!
I spoke about several things including the PACT Government and what they have been working on for the past 2+ months, the financial and tourism industries, Caymanian employment, vaccinations and more.
However I know that many are very curious about our re-opening plans so I am posting the details about this plan that I spoke to in my speech.
To see my full speech and also see the subsequent discussions that took place you can visit here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1k7Zzpu4bg
PHASE 1 – June 2021 – REDUCED QUARANTINE PERIOD
We are now in Phase One.
This phase features continued local uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination and low COVID prevalence rates in key Cayman travel markets, which has allowed for the introduction of reduced quarantine periods and other travel restrictions. However, the borders remain closed and travel is supposed to be allowed for essential reasons only.
Specific aspects of this phase include:
● Entry PCR testing is required for all;
● A negative PCR test result is required to exit quarantine;
● Verifiably certified vaccinated travellers have a 5-day quarantine period;
● Unverifiable vaccinated travelers have a 10-day quarantine period;
● Unvaccinated travellers have a 14-day quarantine period; and that
● As of 1 July Government began paying for quarantine at a government-run facility only for essential travel.
PHASE 2 – August 9, 2021 – REDUCED REPATRIATION RESTRICTIONS
During this phase we will ease the monitoring of vaccinated travellers by removal of GPS monitoring. This will allow the Government to assess local impacts and build capacity to manage increased traveller volumes anticipated with the opening of the borders in Phase Three.
All businesses will be required to adhere to safety protocols issued by regulators and industry, which comply with the Caribbean Public Health Agency guidelines.
PHASE 3 – September 9, 2021 – LIMITED INTRODUCTION OF TOURISM
At that date we will be beyond the time frame of schools opening so we will not be reopening our borders at the same time as our children are preparing to go back to school.
Also, we are doing this during our traditional slow season with some restrictions, which include a flight slot management system to limit the number of people arriving.
This allows for the Government and the tourism industry to develop capacity for dealing with larger volumes of travellers in preparation for high season.
During Phase Three, our borders will open to securely verified vaccinated travelers, except for cruise travellers.
A Cayman Islands Airports Authority slot management system will manage flight volumes and schedules and medical insurance coverage will be required of inbound travellers.
Quarantine will be allowed at all hotels and other tourist accommodations, with periodic spot visits for vaccinated persons in quarantine.
PHASE 4 – October 14, 2021 – REDUCED QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS
We anticipate that the rate of local vaccination will be substantially adequate by this time to allow for the safe increase in tourism and relaxation of restrictions.
However, during Phase Four, unvaccinated travelers will continue to be required to apply for entry on the Travel Cayman Portal.
Vaccinated travellers will be required to make a declaration of travel and vaccination status on the Travel Cayman Portal, with a declaration certificate issued and vaccination checked on arrival.
Public gathering limits may be decreased dependent on whether the increasing public health risks.
Additionally, during Phase Four, there will be fines mandated for travellers failing to abide by this process, and school staff will be required to undergo surveillance PCR testing.
PHASE 5 – November 18, 2021 – TRAVEL FOR UNVACCINATED CHILDREN
Further loosening of travel restrictions will come during Phase Five when we will allow unvaccinated children younger than the eligible vaccination age to travel with vaccinated adult tourists.
During Phase Five, unvaccinated children younger than 12 will not be required to quarantine; PCR testing will be required for local unvaccinated children older than 5 who travel prior to being allowed to return to school; and there will be surveillance of unvaccinated persons by periodic PCR testing.
SAFE REOPENING/WELCOME BACK – to be reassessed 27 January, 2022
We will first assess the COVID-19 situation on 27 January next year in a local and international context to determine when and how to proceed with further relaxation of restrictions and travel.
If the assessment allows, we would begin to welcome all travelers and start the re-introduction of cruise tourism. It is anticipated that at this point there would no longer be any quarantine restrictions for any travelers; no restrictions on public gathering limits or public transport capacity; and no restrictions on certain business operations such as the rental of scuba and snorkeling equipment, use of hookahs, water pipes and so on.
THE REOPENING PLAN
As you have seen, our plan takes a phased approach, which allows assessment at each phase. Assessments will be based on medical science and data to indicate to us either to progress or change our plans to move to the next phase.
We must remember that even with this careful and phased reopening approach, there will be risks with reopening.
As we have done throughout this pandemic, we will manage these risks together in partnership as a community guided by Public Health.
