Government Statement on Passing of First COVID-19 Patient

Health City Cayman Islands today Saturday 14 March 2020 announced the passing of the 68-year-old patient who was confirmed as the first COVID-19 case in the Cayman Islands.

Government, including His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin and Minister Dwayne Seymour, extend condolences to the wife and family of the cardiac patient who was travelling on a cruise ship when he was admitted to Health City in critical condition for urgent cardiac treatment on 29 February.            

On the way to the Cayman Islands, the patient had two cardiac arrests and was resuscitated. He had a prior medical history of cardiac issues. On arrival in George Town, he was rushed by ambulance to Health City where he was being treated in isolation at the tertiary care facility’s Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).

The Premier says: "Our heartfelt sympathies to the patient’s widow who has lost her husband in a land far from home."

Health Minister, Hon Dwayne Seymour, adds: “The passing of this first COVID case is obviously a time for national reflection. I urge the people of the Cayman Islands, in particular those at high risk and their loved ones, to put into rigorous practice the measures that prevent COVID and so will save their lives. Most important of these are rigorous hand-washing and social distancing.”

Those most at risk from COVID include older persons and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer.

Individuals who develop any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose etc., are advised to contact their usual General Practitioner (GP), or the Cayman Islands Public Health Department at [email protected], or via the flu hotline at 1-800-534-8600.

For more information on preventing the spread of COVID-19, persons should visit www.hsa.ky/coronavirus and www.gov.ky/coronavirus.