Residents and visitors of the Cayman Islands are being urged by Public Health and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service to remain aware of COVID-19 regulations especially during public events planned for the Easter long weekend.
Statement by interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr Autilia Newton
“As we celebrate another Easter while living with COVID-19, I am urging the people of the Cayman Islands to remain mindful and vigilant to prevent infection. The mask mandate remains in effect for persons over age five who are indoors at public places, unless they are able to maintain a six foot distance at all times. For attendees of bars and restaurants, masks should only be removed while seated at a table or counter inside the establishment. Staff of bars and restaurants must also wear masks during opening hours. If you venture to an outdoor gathering, please respect social distancing and maintain proper hand hygiene. I urge you to keep safe by following these guidelines. If you become symptomatic, please take a lateral flow test and isolate immediately. I would also encourage persons who plan to attend large events over the Easter holidays to take a lateral flow test before returning to work or school. Our success against COVID-19 to date is as a result of the collective community response, let us work together to keep ourselves, and the vulnerable among us safe. Have a happy and safe Easter.”
Statement by Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne
“The RCIPS is aware of a large number of events planned for the Easter weekend and we will have an increased police presence within the community and at public places, including our beaches where we expect a large number of persons out camping, this is to ensure safety in the community and the enforcement of the COVID regulations. It is timely to remind the community that current restrictions on public meetings are no more than five hundred persons for indoor events and no more than one thousand for outdoor events and these numbers need to be strictly controlled to ensure full compliance with COVID-19 regulations. I take this opportunity to remind and encourage event organizers to follow the regulations and remind them of the penalties for non-compliance, we need their full cooperation. I also expect our roads to be busy over the Easter weekend with increased traffic and I am urging persons to drive safely, slow down, stay safe and please do not drink and then drive.”