CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES – 6 March 2020

Please see below guidance to Caymanians in the UK based on current UK and Cayman Islands CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) advisories.

The UK is not currently on the Category 1 at risk area list, however could be added.

NOTE: GUIDANCE AS AT COP THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020:
Please note advice may change daily.

CURRENT GUIDANCE FOR CAYMANIANS IN THE UK WISHING TO TRAVEL TO CAYMAN IS IS AS FOLLOWS: 

COVID-19 SPECIFIED COUNTRIES

Category 2 Countries/Areas:

Cambodia
China*
Hong Kong
Italy*
Japan
Laos
Macau
Malaysia
Myanmar
Republic of Korea*
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam

* Except areas of the country specifically referred to in Category 1.

Health Guidance
The risk of an individual getting the illness in most countries is low. However, we can all do our part in preventing the spread of viruses by the adoption of good hygiene practice:

– If you return from travel and feel ill or have concerns that you may be infected, we recommend you contact your health care provider and self-isolate until given direction from your health care provider. In this situation, please reach out to your Partner or Manager for alternative work arrangements.
 
Please also read and follow  the guidance issued by the Cayman Islands Government, as persons who have returned from specific jurisdictions where there is a risk of COVID-19, within the last 14 days, should advise Public Health immediately if they have a cough, or fever or shortness of breath.
 
– I encourage everyone to follow standard flu prevention measures:
 
o    Avoid close contact with others that appear unwell
o    Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the bend of your arms and cleanse your hands
o    Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
o    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
o    Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly
o    Stay at home if you are feeling unwell. Limit contact with others where possible.

Mr. Manderson emphasized that there are currently no suspected or confirmed cases of the virus in the Cayman Islands, however it was appropriate to continue to anticipate the threat and plan accordingly.

Mr. Manderson, who is also the Chairman of the National Hazard Management Council said Government continues to work diligently to keep the virus from arriving in the Islands, but the NEOC activation brings together key stakeholders to consider likely impacts if a case of COVID-19 was confirmed, and to find ways of limiting the effects on the economy and most importantly on the health and wellbeing of local residents.
 
The Chief Executive Officer for the Health Services Authority (HSA), Lizzette Yearwood said the Authority was taking steps to improve testing, screening and monitoring for the virus, and a flu hotline will be set up for persons to call if they have concerns or are exhibiting symptoms. Additionally, travel restrictions to and from certain countries may increase in response to the evolving threat.
 
Hazard Management Director Danielle Coleman, explained that HMCI, the Governor’s Office and the Health Services Authority are working closely with regional partners including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and a team from Public Health England are currently here in the Cayman Islands working and supporting Government with the COVID-19 threat.
 
For more information on COVID-19 and for guidance on how to best protect your household, please visit www.hsa.ky/coronavirus or contact the Public Health Department on 244-2621.