CBC Coronavirus statement

Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) continue efforts to safeguard the Cayman Islands by vigilantly screening persons who enter the Cayman Islands with the recent global health concern of the novel Coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV.

Frontline CBC staff from the Airport and Sea Port have received medical briefings from the Public Health Department of the Health Services Authority on what measures to take to reduce their risk, how to assess travellers’ risk and the procedure to follow when travellers should be referred for medical assessment. CBC continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Department, and the wider Health Services Authority to stay appraised of the latest information on the novel Coronavirus from local, regional and international experts.

CBC officers have been tasked to review passengers travel histories and to check for visible symptoms.  If passengers who are assessed warrant medical escalation, then CBC officers will request that the passenger use a surgical mask and wait in an isolated area until they can be examined by medical personnel.

The Public Health Department is providing a member of staff during busy periods to assist in providing information to arriving air passengers who will also be able to respond to airport staff queries, and take any health matter forward.

Following the advice of medical experts, CBC officers are not required to wear surgical masks as a standard part of the frontline uniform.  However, masks are placed at the booths for immediate use in special circumstances [If individual officers feel more comfortable with wearing a mask they are empowered to do so].  

Acting Director of CBC, Mr Bruce Smith, has commented, “CBC will maintain an ever closer and collaborative working relationship with the Public Health Department. With this, CBC Senior and Supervisory Managers at the ports will adhere to all Public Health Department health and safety protocols. I strongly advise that the travelling public fully cooperate with landing officers and, as well, heed all official advisories and recommended health and hygiene best practices for the greater good”.  

To date there are no reported cases in Cayman. The Public is reminded that to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection they should practise:

• frequent hand cleansing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and

• avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

Deputy Director Gary Wong said “CBC is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure our officers receive the resources needed for them to perform their duties and we will continue to take proactive measures to ensure that officers throughout the department are trained and kept aware of any information received from Public Health in order for them to protect themselves and the people of the Cayman Islands.”