Opening date to be revealed next week

| 15/10/2021 | 210 Comments
Premier Wayne Panton and Governor Martyn Roper at Thursday’s press briefing

(CNS): Premier Wayne Panton has said that government will be ready to set a specific opening date for when guests will be allowed into the Cayman Islands without having to quarantine next week. Despite calling a press briefing for what was billed as a number of announcements, the government has not yet set a proposed date for the next phase of the reopening of tourism, nor did officials outline the policy regarding the use of rapid home tests, a key tool to help Cayman manage the community transmission of COVID-19.

Speaking to the country Thursday, Panton said the pause had allowed the country to learn “invaluable lessons”.

He said it had provided an opportunity to observe, learn and gather evidence about the community transmission and how to manage it. There were no mass hospitalisations or even anyone being seriously ill as a direct result of the virus, and children here are proving to be as resilient as the data from elsewhere suggested.

The school experience seemed troubling initially, but the kids have shown remarkable resilience, so the government is now confident about moving forward to reopening and living with COVID-19.

But there was no date announced for when that might happen. The premier said that would be revealed next week.

“It is absolutely essential that we get the management of COVID-19 in the community properly functioning… first, then we can wisely and safely welcome visitors back to our shores,” he said. “I am sure that many of you tuned in today hoping to hear there would be a specific date… We will be holding a press briefing next week to provide the country with specific information around the reopening date.”

Panton said the details around the plan needed to be in place and the government had “built the resilience plan”. He said the team dealing with it had made significant progress and he was happy with the state of preparedness. “The plans are being adapted to learn from the transmission we have had and we are making sure we are capable of further adaptations,” he added.

The goal, he repeated, was to safely reopen and remain open while limiting the strain on the healthcare system and keeping people alive. “Deaths are not a statistic; they are real holes in families,” Panton said.

He urged people to take care of themselves, get vaccinated, observe safety protocols and stay calm to make the sacrifices made so far worthwhile, and he reminded the community how some jurisdictions had not been very successful in their efforts at reopening.

Panton also confirmed that digital vaccine verification would be scrapped for certain travellers. Full details of that would be revealed in the coming days but it is largely aimed at the North American market, given the difficulty some travellers from the US have had to provide a QR code because of the fragmented policies across the different states regarding vaccines.

See the full press briefing below on CIGTV:


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Category: Health, Medical Health, Politics

Comments (210)

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  1. anon says:

    it makes no sense that before departing to return to cayman, if you are fully vaccinated, and you have a negative PCR test 2 days before, that you still have to quarantine for 7 days. Either have a PCR test at day 2 (as in UK) or a rapid flow test.

    Tourism will never recover at that rate.

    • Hubert says:

      You are completely correct. A lot of things make zero sense in the Cayman Islands. We seem to be inapable of learning from others.

      The quarantine makes no sense at all if one is fully vaccinated and one has also had a Rapid Antigen Test.

  2. Anonymous says:

    The government has already recanted on an opening date. If you are a tourist, why would you trust them to stick to a new date in November? If I were a tourist I would not think of traveling here until AA does – they know what’s up!

  3. Anon says:

    Why wait till next week? Reopencayman.com are blaring it out on radio last night that its 22nd November!!

  4. Anonymous says:

    I mean uk not us

  5. Anonymous says:

    Presumably we will follow the us who have had great success since lifting all restrictions in July, and here in cayman when we drop quarantine for vaccinated in November and December we will also remove the mask mandate in shops? Hope so.

    • Anonymous says:

      The herd immunity game in Cayman results in >800 cases a day by mid-Dec, versus 150 cases per day for social distancing. Dozens more deaths too. I don’t think it’s that big of an ask to keep masks on indoors until there is a Delta vaccine in New Year.

      • Anonymous says:

        Dozens more deaths? In a country with a 90% plus vaccination rate for over 18s and a total population of 65000 odd? What’s the basis for your calculations?

  6. Anonymous says:

    As far as I can tell there are no regulations enforcing these new lateral flow tests that people are supposed to do at home and then report the results. If that is true then anybody can lie to avoid a PCR test or isolation with no fear of punishment. A person who tests positive can just go out and infect people.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Someone should remind those in Cabinet that some of the people who get sick or worse when they re-open are the little people who believed in and voted for them. Then again they probably know that and are just hoping that us little people have short memories.

    • Anonymous says:

      What are you in about? Everyone has had the exact equal access to the vaccines.

    • Anonymous says:

      @4:10pm…Then you should have gotten vaccinated when you had the opportunity..Don’t go blaming the Cabinet for your stupidity..

      • Anonymous says:

        And when vaccinated people start dying?

        • Anonymous says:

          They will do so at a much lesser rate than the unvaccinated.

        • Hubert says:

          Vaccinated people only die from. COVID when they have underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, asthma etc. This is a simple fact already documented and proved in America and Canada.

          Get vaccinated and get smart.

          • STX says:

            That is what they said initially about COVID before the vaccine was even available.

          • Anonymous says:

            Oh, and by your reckoning they deserve their untimely DEATH, if it means you can enjoy the liberty to super spread during a global pandemic? They should have chosen to inherit your blessed Ayrian genes and parties. That brand of acceptable mortality jackass logic is specifically why USA, UK, and Canada have experienced such high death counts – particularly among the perpetually disenfranchised.

          • Anonymous says:

            About 48% of the population has comorbidities with COVID.

  8. Anonymous says:

    The people who will benefit from dropping quarantine and the people who will suffer following the end of quarantine requirements are not the same people at all.

    Those likely to become ill and or die are not the ones who will benefit from renting their condos or the ones who will receive payments for hotel rooms. Hell, it is unlikely that the ones who will suffer and die will even get a gratuity out of what is coming given that so few Caymanians work in tourism.

    • Anonymous says:

      So narrow minded. Having the borders closed forever creates a domino effect – if government cannot collect the revenue from tourism, they won’t have any money to keep the civil service afloat.

      Maybe there needs to be some civil service layoffs for people to understand the gravity of the situation we are currently in.

  9. Anonymous says:

    So it’s taken months to learn exactly what the rest of the world knew already. Good job Cayman, ahead of the curve as usual.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yep covid free unlike everywhere else until shills like you demand we bring it here. Good job.

      • Anonymous says:

        Never been covid free. Cayman- 1,093 cases of covid. 226 active cases of covid. 867 recovered cases of covid. 2 deaths. Doesn’t sound like covid free.

  10. anon says:

    Speaking to the country Thursday Panton meant to say “the pause had allowed the country viz Pact, to learn “innumerable” lessons”.

  11. Anonymous says:

    @CNS – please ask this question at the next press conference :

    When will Government start charging for PCR tests where not directed by Public Health? People who (1) chose to test weekly etc instead of get vaccinated (ie not those excused for medical reasons) and (2) travel for non-essential reasons should have to pay for PCR tests. Travel is now a luxury and people should pay accordingly. People who chose not to get vaccinated (which was free) chose all the known and unknown implications for come with that.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Since it is not going to be possible to reopen without tens of people (or more) dying, can we please drop the suggestion that what we are doing will be done “safely?” Absolute honesty and openness is required. We are being asked to risk our lives. How many of us will pay the ultimate price? Government have modeled this and they have estimates. What do those estimates say?

    Bermuda is approaching 100 dead and counting. What is going to make us so different?

    • Anonymous says:

      Why would you expect lots of deaths? The u vaccinated who come will have to quarantine, and we already have widespread community spread with no deaths so far?

      • Anonymous says:

        To be fair to the poster the facts in Bermuda speak for themselves. Over 13 deaths in vaccinated people. Vaccination is not a guarantee that you won’t die from Covid, although it makes it statistically unlikely. But in a population of over 65000 and where many of the population have other risk factors such as obesity even a very small percentage chance is likely to translate into some deaths. Fact that your chance of dying from Covid is less than from a car accident doesn’t mean there won’t be some deaths. The uncomfortable question is how many deaths are acceptable in order to save the economy.

    • Anonymous says:

      Get vaccinated, it is the only proven method to stop serious illness and death. No jab, then you’ll just have to take a chance.

      • Anonymous says:

        It does not work 100%, and it’s efficacy wanes. Just sayin.

        • Anonymous says:

          you’re right, it doesn’t work 100%, some people are not healthy enough even with a vaccine. But i’ll tell you what, not getting a vaccine works a LOT less than 100%, and the unhealthy are virtually guaranteed to get very ill and quite possibly die, so how is your statement at all intelligent?

        • Anonymous says:

          Please do give us some examples of vaccines that are 100% effective in preventing the target illness and the effectiveness of which does not wane.
          This might take you a while but give it your best shot (pun intended.)

      • Anonymous says:

        I think “jab” is a very poor description for a vaccination. Does it ome from baby- talk?

    • Anonymous says:

      The Bermuda hospitalization and death statistics show the majority of those affected are unvaccinated. Cayman has close to 90% of all eligible age groups vaccinated so we should see way less need for hospitalization .

    • C'Mon Now! says:

      I will take the under on your estimate. Our vaccination rate among the over 65’s is better and we should have more control over the potential for incoming virus. Bermuda had much easier access than Cayman when the Delta variant emerged so their seeding of the virus is much larger than what we have here.

      To a lesser extent we have better weather. It is both warmer and more humid here. This helps to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Realistically if anywhere in the United States was going to behave like Florida, thankfully it was Florida.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are an asshole

      • Anonymous says:

        OK. You do the math. You tell us how many you think are going to die?

        • Anonymous says:

          Under 10

          • Anonymous says:

            Very optimistic, but OK. They will give their lives so others can sunbathe?

            • Anonymous says:

              Less people will die of COVID than those killed on the roads. And yet we have no solutions to reducing the road deaths.

              • Anonymous says:

                We have numerous restrictions in place in regard to driving that no doubt reduce the potential for road deaths. We restrict who can drive and at what age. They have to pass a test. They have to have a license and renew it periodically. They have to have insurance in case their carelessness causes injury or death to others. They have to conduct themselves safely and abide by many road laws and regulations. Since you make the comparison, I shall agree that–relative to Covid 19– entry restrictions into the Cayman Islands should be as rigourously restricted and regulated as is driving in the Cayman Islands.

                • Anonymous says:

                  i would suggest eliminate quarantine for vaccinated travellers and instead force a 7 day driving course for all. Sorry to the 80% of us who know how to drive, but the other 20% are the worst drivers I have ever witnessed.

              • Mathematics Teacher says:

                We have some solutions…………. llke putting drunks and drug users in jail, but our so-called leaders don’t want to lose any votes!

    • Anonymous says:

      Bermuda opened at 50 percent vaccination and was also very lax with their incoming vaccination requirements. Completely different scenarios.

    • Anonymous says:

      Stay home forever, then you will be safe

      • Anonymous says:

        I am home (and vaccinated). It is people wishing to leave their homes and come to mine without quarantine that create the danger.

  13. Seawood says:

    Us plans to open international travel November 8. Travelers must prove a negative Covid test 3 days prior to travel.

    Jets Blue has regular scheduled flights from NYC.

    Open up Grand Cayman!

    GC might just salvage some of the Holiday Tourism business.

    Many owners of Condo rentals suffer loss of income and do not receive a Goverment stipend afforded to other tourism related businesses.

    Just do it…

    • Anonymous says:

      Those poor landlords, lmao

    • Anonymous says:

      GC better lower the hotel rates at Christmas if they are planning on getting tourists. Just looked and the Holiday Inn / Grand Caymanian is $482 a night. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Sunshine Suites running $509 a night. Non-refundable to boot. LOL!!! That doesn’t include airfare or food.

      Now that is funny!! Really funny!!

      You want to restart your tourism and attract tourists, that isn’t the way! Even those that can afford those prices will just continue to go elsewhere. It’s no longer supply and demand…that door shut 18 months ago.

      Note also there are flights flying in from all locales. Are these all ghost flights?

    • Anonymous says:

      I take it from your comment you’re an overseas condo owner?

      Your suffering is nothing compared to our house price and rental problems down here.

      Suck it up.

      • Anonymous says:

        Nope, tourist, looking to bring my family of 5 down for holiday. Before the possibility of your opening, I researched many other islands to take my family. The prices, even over Christmas, were not even close to as staggering as what I saw last night researching Cayman hotel prices. Long time visitor to your island and to charge those prices for Holiday Inn/Grand Caymanian which is not even close to the beach is nothing more than highway robbery/laughable. It has been and maybe still is a quarantine facility and nothing located near it for 482 a night? There are many other islands offering welcome back packages, offering AI, and on the beach. For $482. A night, which by the way, we could justify and afford, but we know the layout of the hotels in Cayman and those hotels do not justify those prices, not at the holidays and not any time of the year.

        • Anonymous says:

          Those prices include the cost of bringing the bellman from Romania, the bartender from Canada, the room service team from the Philippines, the chef from Austria and the waiter from Italy. That is even before you go on a boat trip (South Africa) or take a taxi (Jamaica).

          • Anonymous says:

            Those jobs are only available because caymanians don’t want to do them, or expect to walk into a bartender job with zero experience. Work your way up and you can be a bartender or waiter. Start today cleaning rooms, bussing tables etc

        • Anonymous says:

          Non-refundable hotels when the government reopening is so unstable? Not cool, Cayman.

  14. Anonymous says:

    This invaluable lesson is for expats. The one for Caymanians will follow.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Why is it all or nothing? Why not allow residents to travel without quarantine and have vaccinated tourists do a 5 day? It is a game of numbers so play the numbers.

    • Anonymous says:

      Agreed

    • Anon says:

      You truly do not understand covid risk or spread with that statement.

    • Anonymous says:

      What is the difference between a vaccinated local and a vaccinated tourist?

    • Anonymous says:

      Because no tourist is going to quarantine for any days. They will go elsewhere. Most US visitors have only 7-10 day holidays at a time, you think they are going to spend it locked up in a hotel room when they can travel anywhere else and be free?

      • Big Bobo In West Bay says:

        Quarantines are out now. Just look at America, Canada and EU countries.

        Only the dumb tourist island in the Caribbean would have a quarantine.

        But maybe we are dumb here?

    • Anonymous says:

      Why is it all or nothing? why not restrict unvaccinated residents from travel to actually stop the spread. That is your game of numbers

  16. Anonymous says:

    This is who We chose to replace Alden.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, Mr. 5:23 am… and I am gratefull !!!

    • Anonymous says:

      THANKS to every one of you !!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Alden had to go, difference is Wayne is not a narcissist.

    • Anonymous says:

      We didn’t choose him. He chose himself – in backroom deals, at quite a price to the credibility, and capability, of our governance.

      655 votes for Wayne; 577 for Heather; and 472 for Ossie (his declared allegiances) does not represent a mandate for Wayne. Wayne chose Wayne.

  17. Anonymous says:

    I think Cayman has done well. They had the virus under control within the borders which has bought the time needed for the world to understand and figure out how to treat it. We have so many more tools now and a solid understanding of Covid… time to open up.

  18. Anonymous says:

    So guessing PPM didn’t have a pre-meeting yesterday..Alden and Roy you are slacking now. What has happened to Opposition for Opposition sake?

  19. Anonymous says:

    I’m betting my pension withdrawal on 22nd November opening. Just in time for Thanks Giving.

    • Anonymous says:

      I don’t care.

    • Sheriff says:

      22 of November won’t matter for tourism for Thanksgiving, that ship has sailed. My guess is just before Christmas, maybe 22 December, that way PACT has an opening date but it’s too late for high season to attract a large number of visitors, thus they open the border but effectively keep tourism away until spring break season rolls around and major airlines return to flying here.

  20. Anonymous says:

    What about kids under 12? Under phase 5 they don’t have to quarantine and can still travel. Is that coming next week?

    • Anonymous says:

      Of course not!

    • Anonymous says:

      To whom is your question directed? Why would the CNS readers have an answer to an unannounced government policy? Let’s get to stage 4 first.

    • Anonymous says:

      Hope so!

    • Anonymous says:

      Regardless of when we open, please make sensible rules for Cayman’s children.

      A vaccinated adult in Cayman who test POSITIVE quarantines for 11 days.

      A child who goes to school or travels and tests NEGATIVE will quarantine for 15 days.

      An MP who visits a school to speak to students does NOT wear a mask.

      A student who listens to him speaking in their school is REQUIRED to wear a mask.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Now how ridiculous does it look with Wayne sitting there wearing a mask and Roper not.

    Another day in Absurdistan.

  22. Anonymous says:

    If they remove quarantine requirements for vaccinated, what about children under 12 who can’t be vaccinated?

    Do they still have to quarantine for 14 days?

    That would seem ridiculous if so.

    • Anonymous says:

      Let’s hope it is open border with a firm date, get rid of quarantine for vaccinated travelers and accept the CDC card for all US. Then we can book with some confidence. Will need to add some flights, too.

  23. Robert Mugabe IV says:

    Joe Public “ What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.
    Some men, you just can’t reach.
    So you get what we had here last week — which is the way he wants it.
    Well, he gets it.
    And I don’t like it anymore than you men.”

  24. Anonymous says:

    What. A. Joke.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is ridiculous. Another lengthy press conference just top announce another one next week. The press conferences are embarrassing. Should be 30 mins max.

    • Anonymous says:

      Dude, the US border isn’t even fully open yet with their number 1 trading partner. Perspective.

      • Anonymous says:

        I’m fairly sure when they traded the virus to the US it leveled a lot of trade imbalances.

      • Anonymous says:

        Its not so much the delays that are a joke (although they clearly are). Why couldn’t they just send an email saying ‘details on opening next week’? Or, better still, just tell us this week? This has been, for some time, a deeply embarrassing performance from a man who’s bright enough to know better.

        • Anonymous says:

          They did. A few times. Press release this Mon/Tue giving airlines and travelers at least a month’s notice. They also telegraphed their intentions by saying that Caymanian families will be reunited for holidays around US Thanksgiving. If you don’t listen, you don’t get.

  25. Anonymous says:

    Still waiting on my $100k

  26. Anonymous says:

    I am (honestly) a bit confused – the borders are already technically open, it’s just that few airlines are interested in coming because of the harsh quarantine requirements. Is this a suggestion that quarantine requirements are about to be lifted or at least significantly reduced for those vaccinated?

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes. We should not have quarantine for vaccinated. We are not open when we would have to stay home for 7 days on return. it is ridiculous. Follow the Uk – no quarantine for vaccinated.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, completely lifted for fully vaccinated people. Those that are not vaccinated better hurry or make plans to roll the dice that they’re smarter than science or
      self-isolate away from other people for a year or two – or maybe even longer!

  27. Anonymous says:

    Good god. Just get on with it.

  28. Anonymous says:

    Finally! Let’s see if they stick to it.

  29. Hubert says:

    This is what you do to open as it is now not rocket science:

    1. Choose a date to open in November.

    2. All people entering here must have 2 vaccinations and show proof on entry with a card.

    3. 72 hours before entering here they must also have a Rapid Antigen Test with proof of a negative result.

    NO / NO Exemptions for anybody including all Caymanians.

    The problem will be that there undoubtedly there will be exceptions for some Caymanians and that will be the problem. Enforcement is not a strong suit when we apply laws to Caymanians.

    • Anonymous says:

      Really? You aren’t Stalin ancestor, aren’t you?

      We now have people that are afraid of meat, the sun and even air. Well done, we are officially the dumbest species on the planet!

      • Anonymous says:

        Please speak for yourself 1:30. Yeah, I agree you are dumb because you still are not vaccinated. Chronically stupid more like it.

      • Anonymous says:

        My dog, who likes to chase cars and eat poop, disagrees. However, people who refuse to get vaccinated are giving my dog a run for his money.

        • Anonymous says:

          Apologies to your dog for having an owner with a superiority complex

          • Anonymous says:

            My dog pretty much gets whatever he wants. He’s still stupid, just like anti-vaxxers who think the vaccine is the mark of the devil, or contains a microchip, who think it doesn’t work or who think it is more dangerous than Covid-19.

    • Anonymous says:

      exactly. vaccinated travellers are not the cause of this community outbreak. CIG wont mandate vaccines for caymanians, but CIG can certainly mandate vaccination for ALL travellers. No vaccine = no travel. I will add that all cayman airways flight crews should be vaccinated to continue flying

      • Anonymous says:

        No problem don’t force Caymanian’s but then don’t let them leave – If they love the country so much and don’t want to protect themselves and others make them stay here.

      • Anonymous says:

        FYI All CAL crews are vaccinated. For many months now….

    • Anonymous says:

      What about children who can’t get vaccinated?

      • Anonymous says:

        if you are worried about your children don’t travel with them, lave them home alone! – hey it’s a great idea for a Christmas movie.

    • Anonymous says:

      Hubert, you are a real fool. Go back to where you came from.

      People like you are only going to make worse for expats in Cayman future.

      Cayman can govern itself just fine — there are a lot of young professionals that are going to run in the upcoming election and I bet we will see change for the better.

      Your Caymanian disrespect has outweighed your earlier comments. Grow up.

      • Anonymous says:

        5:24, The basic truth is really painful for many Caymanians.

        I have nowhere to go. Little Cayman?

      • Big Bobo In West Bay says:

        Hard to respect Caymanians at this point, who still refuse to get vaccinated.

        I assume you are one of those Caymanians.

        I am totally fed up with Caymanian stupidity.

    • Anonymous says:

      And, add more flights!!!

  30. Anonymous says:

    “. . .and he [the Premier] reminded the community how some jurisdictions had not been very successful in their efforts at reopening.” What makes him so confident that Cayman can do better?

    • Big Bobo In West Bay says:

      Enforcement of the rules is the key and no exemptions allowed by anyone including those flying in and out of here on private jets. You Caymanians know who you are.

      • Anonymous says:

        Not a chance in hell that those people think the rules apply to them. That’s just for the common folks.

        • Anonymous says:

          Absolutely fake news Bobo. Persons flying into Cayman privately face the same requirements as those flying commercially. They contact Travel Cayman and supply the required documents and tests.

      • Anonymous says:

        Enforcement of the rules? Hah! We are dealing with Homo Sapiens who don’t know that a mask must cover both the nose and mouth; who cannot judge 6ft distance, who breach quarantine rules, some of whom think the pandemic is a hoax, and who have no idea how to use the chip in the 5G vaccine.

      • Anonymous says:

        Not just those with the private jets. ‘Boaters’ are a concern too. Covid broke out into the community in North Side from a trip to get the square grouper. No quarantine needed when returning from Jamaica by drug canoe.

        • Anonymous says:

          STILL nobody except Skylar has been punished for quarantine breach.
          All well connected Caymanians I guess, as the rules don’t apply to them.

          • Anonymous says:

            Lie!

          • Anonymous says:

            Lie @ 4:26pm.

            You cannot just say Skylar and Vanjee.

            Still hurts?

            That little wretch went to a public event during the height of the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic INSTEAD of staying in quarantine.

            It was pre-meditated, arrogant and displayed a wanton disregard for others just to get a story on TV.

        • Anonymous says:

          3:07 Since you seem to know so much about the reason for the outbreak in North Side, you should go and inform the Commissioner of Police of exactly who the people are. All of us would like to know who the drug King Pin is with the Drug Canoe. Make sure to tell the name of the owner of the Drug Canoe – make sure to do that. What is evident is that at least one of the families affected in North Side is in no way involved in drugs. So stop slandering innocent people but tell the truth that you seem to know abiut who is guilty.

      • Anonymous says:

        Well they certainly managed the 52 breaches the other day which I know was the cause of the recent spread of the virus. So how are they going to manage the spread from the tourists with no quarantine? What I would like to know if the checked the strength of the variant we currently have?

  31. Anonymous says:

    From whom, i.e., which experienced professionals, are CIG taking advice on how to prepare for the reopening?

    • Miami Dave says:

      11:59, You don’t need experienced professionals. All one needs to do is look seriously at what Canada, America and the European Union have been requiring for incoming visitors.

      The map is there. Just read the map which has been around now for 4 or 5 months.

      • Anonymous says:

        USA still doesn’t accept fully vaccinated Canadians crossing by car.

        • Anonymous says:

          USA still not accepting anyone from europe vaccinated or not

        • MeanwhileInTexas says:

          @3:57 Actually, the US is opening the land border to Canada and Mexico to fully vaccinated people in November. This was just announced a couple of days ago. Meanwhile in Texas, it is very easy to walk across the border from Mexico, with no vaccine proof and no negative covid test, but you’d better not try to drive across the border without vaccine proof and as a US citizen you can’t vacation in Mexico and fly home unless you test negative for covid and come November US citizens will also have to prove they are fully vaccinated to return from travel abroad. You really can’t make this crap up.

        • Anonymous says:

          The U.S. opens to Canada by car early November. Every Canadian must be fully vaccinated.

        • Anonymous says:

          Nor do they consider those with mixed vaccinations to be “fully vaccinated”.

    • Uno Itztru says:

      CIG does not take advice……………… They only give it.

  32. Angry says:

    We had normal. Now we have masks and social distancing and restrictions on gatherings again all because this government dropped the quarantine requirement to 5 days. Heaven help us allowing visitors in freely. Guess we’ll be looking at a full lockdown in a few weeks time.

    • Anonymous says:

      No. We will be living and co-existing with the virus. We can’t manage it away with lockdowns and now that we have vaccinations we do not need to try to.

      • Anonymous says:

        Will you flinch when the first person dies. Or the 100th? At what point might you consider that the indignity of quarantine and living in a Covid-free community was the better option?

    • Anonymous says:

      The outbreak had nothing to do with the reduced quarantine. It was those not in quarantine (illegal boat arrivals) & those breaking quarantine (having helpers come & go / meeting friends illegally etc).

    • Anonymous says:

      No just visitor – returning residents who are fully vaccinated won’t have to quarantine. If you’re not vaccinated, you had better run and go do it now!

  33. Anonymous says:

    Don’t stop the carnival.

  34. Anonymous says:

    SO has CIG worked out that every tourist will need a departure COVID test to leave Cayman?
    I bet NOT.
    These do not need to be PCR for USA BUT every island and tourist location that has been open for a year has testing available at the resorts and hotels.
    PLEASE CIG make sure approvals for cheep rapid testing are in place and AVAILABLE at many many locations!

  35. Anonymous says:

    They will then announce when the announcement for the announcement of the announcement will occur for the announcement of the reopening date.

  36. Anonymous says:

    still working on a soon-come plan?….zzz
    can you remind us again why you did not follow the oct 14th plan?

    • Anonymous says:

      Learning from Delta data. Waiting for arrival and deployment of booster doses and lateral test kits. It’s probably saved dozens of lives, not that anyone seems to be giving notice to that side of the scorecard.

  37. Anon. says:

    The sheer pointlessness of that press conference cannot be overstated.

    • Anonymous says:

      did not watch and will never watch one again.
      an excercise in futility and proabbly a perfect representation of the incompetence and hypocrisy of cig civil serice.

    • Anonymous says:

      What’s your point?

    • Anonymous says:

      …Government waste – PERSONIFIED….

      Actually, a bit of Seinfeld:

      “The Press Conference about the Press Conference…”

  38. anon says:

    I reckon December the 1st 2022 is favourite. I am putting my bet on now. At least I will be able to earn some money

    • Anonymous says:

      15 January 2022 is my bet.

    • Anonymous says:

      I’m aiming for Nov 23rd. The current regs expire then and that allows for American thanks giving.

    • Anonymous says:

      Nah my money is definitely on November 22nd. That is when the current regulations expire. They would need to actually do something to extend the regulations and we all know how little this administration like to actually do anything. Putting my money on the 22nd.

    • Anonymous says:

      Definitely November 22nd. Mark my words!!

  39. Roundabouts aren't rocket science says:

    A press conference to tell us they’ll be a press conference next week.

    Awesome.

  40. Anonymous says:

    Fantastic and about time! They said one month notice, so likely december 1 we open up and can finally travel freely without the ridiculous 7 days quarantine when we get back if vaccinated. 14 days for unvaccinated still please.

  41. Anonymous says:

    Also, pigs might fly.

  42. Anonymous says:

    PACT caving to DART’s pressure campaign. Is anyone surprised? He who pays the piper…

    • Anonymous says:

      So just say “DART” to illicit a negative response.

      Well, I don’t work for any DART entity (or anything remotely connected), but I do work in an accounting firm with around 200 people, with a mix of expatriates and Caymanians. Within our firm, everyone has an opinion and has expressed it. But I would say around 90% of the people want to set a date and go with it.

      COVID is not going away, ever. But we are as prepared as we can be. We will have at least a month to allow for thousands who want to get boosters.

      20 months. Sorry, its time.

    • Anonymous says:

      Haters gonna hate. In the meantime, the large majority sensible people agree. The truth is, over the next year or so, most people in the Cayman Islands are going to contract COVI-19. Those who are vaccinated are, to an extremely high percentage, going to be fine. Most of those that are unvaccinated are going to be fine as well, but not nearly to the same high percentage. Most of the people who die are going to be unvaccinated. Sure, it’s your choice (if you’re Caymanian or have PR with a right to work) but make that choice at your own peril. Like it or not, we’re opening up and sooner than you might want.

      • Anonymous says:

        That is not true. Been working in a high risk district since last March at an essential job. I wear a mask and have been triple vaxxed. Wash my hands and haven’t contracted covid. Just have to follow covid protocols.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are so correct, the puppets have to do whatever the puppet masters say.

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