MORE COVID RESTRICTIONS RELAXED

By Staff Writer

Significant changes have been announced to the current regime of strict COVID-19 protocols in Cayman.

The changes, which will be in effect until July 15th in the first instance, relax particular restrictions currently in place on travelling, as well as preparations for the hurricane season and carnival events.

Among the changes is the removal of pre-flight PCR testing for returning residents who are travelling back to the Cayman Islands and were vaccinated by the Health Services Authority (HSA).

A government release says this applies only if the traveller has completed a full course of vaccination by the HSA against the COVID-19 disease at least two weeks before boarding.

In a development seen as linked to the onset of the hurricane seasons, emergency shelters can accommodate over 500 persons indoors but only in circumstances where the premises are being used as an emergency shelter in the event of a threat of a disaster or the aftermath of a disaster.

With planning underway for what will be a scaled-down 2021 summer carnival season, parties, stage shows, concerts and other social activities related to parades are now permitted.

However, parades, including carnival parades, are still prohibited, regardless of location and the number of persons participating, and require the express approval of the Cabinet via regulation to occur.

The government statement says however that Cabinet will continue to determine what public health measures are necessary, including after July 15th and may continue to amend the regulations and/or extend these restrictions as long as required.

Easing these restrictions is seen as a first major decision by the PACT coalition administration in line with the drive to increase the vaccination rate and positioning Cayman to return to normality.