COVID-19 Update for Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Cayman’s leaders today (Wednesday, 27 May 2020) noted that with results over the 10,000 mark now, the Islands have placed sixth in per capita testing in the world for COVID 19.
 
The Finance Minister also presented financial facts and projections drawn in Cayman Islands’ response to the pandemic and the possible impact for the next two years. See separate release of the Minister’s remarks.
 
Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported:
• The virus is reported to remain on copper surface for just a few seconds.
• Today, a total of 10,174 people have been tested in the Cayman Islands.
• Of 359 new results, 3 tested positive: 1 is a contact with a known case and two are community transmitted.
• Of a total of 140 positives, 1 is symptomatic, 71 are asymptomatic, none hospitalised and 67 recovered.
• Currently, 108 people are in government isolation facilities and 242 people are in self-isolation at their homes.
• The ‘Flu Clinic saw 9 persons and the ‘flu hotline received 7 calls related to flu symptoms out of 38 calls to the hotline.
• 1,040 or 13% of some 8,000 workers in the construction industry have received results.
• Tests for this sector had reassured that the disease is not widespread even though there were pockets of occurrence.

Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin said:
• If present testing results continue, the rest of the construction industry activities are proposed to be reopened on Monday, 1 June, (subject to confirmation by the Competent Authority). Cabinet meets on Thursday to discuss this as well as further easing of social restrictions.
• The local fish market is now open at the South Terminal on Harbour Drive in George Town. Public can access on the last name system in place: A-K on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; L-Z on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All are required to wear face masks and maintain a distance of 6 feet from any person.
• The Passport and Corporate Services office will open 2 days a week on Wednesday and Thursday starting 10 June from 9 am to 1 pm. This is to facilitate persons needing to collect passports that have returned from HMPO. The office will not be accepting new applications at this time and will contact those whose passports have been returned and are ready for collection. Persons should show up for collection on their last name letter days and should wear a face covering or mask and adhere to the social distancing measures. While this opening is for collection, the office will continue to offer services for medical emergencies as necessary. Contact passport&[email protected] with questions or queries.
• A large number of applications received by the Needs Assessment Units are incomplete and this is delaying assistance.
• 2,700 families are now receiving services of food vouchers, rental stipend, assistance with utilities, PFA and burial assistance. Based on the $2,555,515 COVID-19 Supplementary funds received ($2,119,465 for Temp Financial Assistance and $436, 050 for PFA) approximately 69% have been utilized to date. On average 60 applications are received daily. 19 persons have been redeployed to assist/support the NAU team of 31, in various areas. In addition to persons being redeployed from other agencies, NAU has also partnered with WORC, to allow for WORC staff to be on site and immediately register persons in need of employment. Despite relaxed requirements in an effort to accommodate persons in need, it is still necessary for NAU to obtain a completed application and key supporting documents.
• Shout outs went to the Port Authority staff for their consistent diligence during the pandemic response.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper said:
• The test results of over 10,000 place Cayman Islands at sixth in the world in testing, which is a “significant achievement”.
• All should continue to practice protocols put in place for COVID-19 including social distancing, wearing masks and basic hand washing hygiene.
• Agreement has been reached with the Indian Government for an evacuation flight to India within the next three weeks and details will be shared soon.
• Another air-bridge BA flight to London is scheduled for the first half of June.
• Also Flights to Jamaica and Colombia as well as another flight to Canada in July are being negotiated.
• As these are emergency evacuation flights only, all arriving in the Cayman Islands have to be quarantined as well as all leaving will also likely be quarantined when they land in other jurisdictions.
• Shout outs went to the Job Evaluation Team in the Portfolio of the Civil Service for their stellar work during this crisis.

Health Minister Hon. Dwayne Seymour said:
• Cayman Islands’ request to the Cuban Government for the deployment of Cuban doctors in CI was met favourably as a contingency plan, for which he thanked that country’s government. However, it was determined that CIG would not proceed with the plan, based on the test results.
• Shout out included to Tilly’s Restaurant and Seventh Day Adventists. Hazard Management Cayman Islands

Director Danielle Coleman said:
• All charities wishing to help are encouraged to register with the local Red Cross which is the team leader in this regard.

Finance Minister Hon. Roy McTaggart, Minister’s speaking notes already provided: http://www.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/cighome/pressroom/archive/202005/minister-presents-financial-picture