News

Cayman Islands’ leaders reported a much calmer day, (Monday, 30 March 2020) at the COVID-19 press conference, in terms of public response to the measures put in place to tackle the pandemic.

Yet, they painted a realistic picture, cautioning that all should be prepared for the measures to be around for some time.

One concern was the increased incidents of domestic violence on Sunday night.

Airlift organised through the UK will be available in and out of Cayman Islands on a British Airways flight arriving after a stop in Bermuda.

In addition new arrangements for banks will be similar to the arrangement with supermarkets from this week.

Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne reported:

• With no significant policing issues, the roads were generally calm during the hard curfew (7:00 pm – 5:00 am).
• Little Cayman reported no issues; Cayman Brac had 12 police interceptions of vehicles on the road during the hard curfew, with one found in breach and warned for prosecution; Grand Cayman had 83 interceptions, with two found in a vehicle in breach, one charged with being under the influence and in breach of curfew, and the female passenger warned for breach of curfew.
• Speeding on the roads is becoming a problem and the Commissioner asked all to stay within the speed limits.
• Checkpoints are in place to question people as to why they are on roads during the soft and hard curfews under the regulations.
• Sunday night had a spurt of domestic violence incidents with seven recorded; two were alcohol related. Police will keep a careful eye on domestic violence incidents.
• Persons seeking shelter in such incidents are to report needs to the NEOC where they are looked at on a case by case basis and monitored carefully in terms of child and family protection.

Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin said:

• The world picture remains grim. The world totals today were 768,363, up by 44,973 overnight; total deaths – 36,912 up by 2,847 overnight. In the US – 155,969 total up by 12,478 overnight; deaths 2,854 total, up by 271 overnight. In Italy – total cases 101,739, up by 4,050 overnight; deaths 11,591 up by 812 overnight. Spain had a total of 85,195, up by 5,085 overnight and total deaths of 7,340, up by 537 overnight. UK reported total of 22,141 with 2,619 up overnight; deaths were 1,408 up by 180 overnight. New York State reported 66,497 cases, up 5,818 overnight, and deaths 1,218, up by 155 overnight.
• Overall situation with the curfews in the Cayman Islands was satisfactory but there are still a lot of vehicles on the roads during the soft curfew.
• Supermarket arrangements were working well.
• A similar arrangement will be put in place for banks as of tomorrow, Tuesday. So last names beginning L-Z could attend banks on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and last names beginning A-K, on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Fridays, the banks would be open to all customers.
• He said he personally thanked the students in isolation on a video conference on Saturday for showing such exemplary restraint and responsibility, which he said augurs well for their future as leaders of the Cayman Islands.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper said:

• A British Airways flight has been organised to arrive early next week, with a time to be determined, with medical equipment from the UK as well as Caymanians in the UK who wish to return home. Any Caymanians wishing to travel home on this flight should call +44 0207 491 7772 or email info.cigo@gov.ky
• On the return flight, seats will be available on UK subsidised rates for persons seeking to leave for the UK urgently on emergencies and compassionate grounds.
• The seats will be provided on a first come, first served basis but compassionate basis cases will get first priority.
• The number to call to book seats is 244-3333 Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm or email emergencytravel@gov.ky.
• The Governor thanked for their stellar service during the ongoing crisis the Police, CBC officials, the Special Constabulary, Prison and civil service officials.
• He also lauded the returned students and residents responsibly adhering to the self-isolation requirements.

Health Minister Hon. Dwayne Seymour said:

• The cooperation and collaboration between the public and private sector health care providers were to be commended, notably on Doctors Day today.
• The three hospitals collectively have a bed capacity of 246 and have 32 ventilators.
• He announced the launch of an online self-assessment tool open to the public to quickly check if they have COVID-19 symptoms. To get the quick assessment, they should visit www.gov.ky/coronavirus, which provides an alternative to the flu hotlines.
• A new jingle “open call” is now underway to submit jingles on four themes to be able to win cash.
• For the full statement by Minister Seymour, see separate story.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee explained:

• As has been noted before, face masks can prevent the person wearing them from contaminating their immediate environment through droplets, they might spread through their own sneezing or coughing.