Grand Cayman – At 8a.m. on Friday, 12 November Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee reported that 1,708 PCR tests had been conducted in the 24 hours since 8a.m. on Thursday, 12 November. 

The Public Health Department reported 265 positive results from these tests, with one in a traveller and 264 from the community.

These results brought the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands to 2,849 as at 8a.m. on Friday, 12 November. The total number of cases recorded since the start of the pandemic stood at 4,203 as at the same time. 

Up to that point, 3,940 people in the Cayman Islands were in isolation either in Government isolation facilities or at home.

The Public Health department also confirmed that up to 8a.m. on Friday, 12 November there had been 1,045 total positive lateral flow tests since the introduction of the lateral flow test programme in the Cayman Islands.

As of 8a.m. on Friday, 12 November, Faith Hospital confirmed there were 79 active cases in the Sister Islands, with two identified in the previous 24 hours.

To date, there had been 97 total cases recorded in the Sister Islands, with 18 having recovered. Out of the total number of cases in the Sister Islands, 50 were fully vaccinated, eight were partially vaccinated, and 39 were unvaccinated. 

There were 18 COVID-19 patients hospitalised in the Cayman Islands at 8a.m. on Friday, 12 November.

Cayman Islands residents are urged to be safe over the upcoming holiday weekend and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by limiting social interactions and attendance at large gatherings.

Minister for Health Hon. Sabrina Turner appealed to the public to behave responsibly regarding COVID-19 safety measures over the holiday weekend.

She said, “With this welcome long weekend, please consider not having or going to large gatherings…I know we are social beings and need human interaction. We like to let off steam with our friends and loved ones, but we can still do all of these things and be smart about it as well. So, socialize with small groups, avoid large indoor gatherings, spend time outside. And if the weather is bad, as it looks like it may be, then perhaps enjoy a rainy weekend at home with your family and cook one heck of a good old pot of rundown and reconnect with the family members in your immediate household.”

Minister Turner also reminded residents of the basic COVID-19 safety precautions.

She said, “I ask you to remember to wear a mask in public indoor settings, observe social distancing requirements, wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.”

She continued, “Be cautious when speaking without a mask because droplets can spread, which is why it’s important to wear masks. And wear them correctly. Not under your chin, not dangling over one ear but ensure that you cover both your nose and mouth. This will help a great deal in limiting the spread of the virus.”

The Minister for Health also reminded everyone to report any positive results from self-administered lateral flow tests.

She said, “Please continue to use your lateral flow tests and be sure to report any positive results right away to Public Health either by calling 947-3077 or by email to [email protected] Now I know some persons are of the view that if they test positive on the lateral flow test and they do not feel sick, they will NOT report it to Public Health. But let me say it is an offence to not report a positive because you are a public health risk once you are positive. So, let’s all be responsible in our actions.”

Due to depleted vaccine stocks, local vaccine clinics were closed from Thursday, 11 November and are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, 16 November, following the anticipated delivery of new vaccine supplies today (Friday, 12 November). 

Please stay tuned to official channels for the revised vaccination schedule to check times and locations.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

For further COVID-19 information and resources, visit www.gov.ky/coronavirus

Downloadable resources and guides are available at https://www.exploregov.ky/coronavirus-resources

For other help and hotlines, visit https://www.exploregov.ky/getting-assistance

For specific information on the national lateral flow test policy visit https://www.exploregov.ky/lft-policy; and to report positive lateral flow test results go to www.exploregov.ky/report-covid19-result

An Isolation Support Line is available to help by delivering groceries or other essential supplies for people required to isolate suddenly, and who do not have other resources and support. Contact Isolation Support at 946-3530, 1-800-534-3530 or email [email protected]

Operational hours 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9a.m. – 1p.m. on Saturday.

For mental health support, the Mental Health Helpline can be reached on 1-800-534-6463(MIND) from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

If you have flu symptoms contact the 24-hour Flu Hotline at 1-800-534-8600, 345-947-3077 or by email to [email protected].

If you are having difficulty breathing, please call 911.