Public Health officials have announced the relaxation on quarantine and isolation requirements for those who have tested positive for the Omicron variant. This variant is becoming one of the most dominant strains of the variants in the Cayman Islands to date. Those who have tested positive for the virus but are vaccinated must isolate for ten days and retest on day 11. Individuals who happen to be in contact or are household members that are vaccinated, and negative are not required to quarantine but rather take a flow test daily.
The changes that have been put in place are to help not inconvenience businesses or families, given the increase in COVID cases within the community. Even though the rules have been a bit relaxed for those who have been vaccinated, they are still required to quarantine for 14 days for the unvaccinated.
As the virus continues to sweep through the island and the rest of the world, Public Health advises everyone to remain vigilant. Follow all guidelines that have been put in place by the government. Stay up to date with COVID-19 through the government communication channels.
According to Dr. Newton, she states that “we rely on individuals to report any positive LFTs to Public Health, and on the community and their employers to support them in this.” Those who test positive through lateral flow testing must isolate until they can take a PCR test at the next available testing clinic with the HSA.
The individuals visiting the island who have tested positive for COVID while here must follow the same process as those who reside here. Individuals and their primary contacts must receive a negative PCR exit test from the Public Health Department before being permitted aboard a commercial flight departing the Cayman Islands.
Those who are positive but would like to leave the island must find their private flight and apply to Travel Cayman for permission to move forward with this. Email travelinfo@gov.ky to ask for permission.
A person who has had contact with a positive individual (face to face) for 15 minutes or more or has had any other form of direct physical contact such as hugging, shaking hands, kissing, or being in a household with a positive individual; this is a primary contact. If this happens to be the case, be sure to do a Lateral Flow Test for the time recommended.
