The Royal Cayman Island Police Service (RCIPS) today (Friday, 22 May 2020) confirmed that two uniformed officers have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Both officers are asymptomatic and are in isolation. These results are part of extensive, service-wide testing that began for uniformed and civilian RCIPS personnel earlier this month, as part of the Cayman Islands Government’s screening programme for frontline personnel across the public and private sectors.

“Following news of the positive results we have worked closely with the Public Health Department to facilitate their usual investigations including risk assessment and contact tracing. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that we remain ready to serve and protect the people of the Cayman Islands,” commented Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne”

“We also want to reassure our staff and the public,” Mr. Byrne continued, “that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic all uniformed service personnel have been required to wear and utilise personal protective equipment (PPE). This is something that we are reinforcing as this situation develops.”

“In addition we have implemented daily sanitisation protocols through our building janitorial functions and fleet management services. The health and wellbeing of our personnel remain of utmost importance and we thank Public Health for their work and guidance in assisting us.”

The Commissioner of Police added that all spaces have been robustly sanitised in the department where the officers who received the positive results are employed. Social distancing protocols are also being strictly enforced across the RCIPS to reduce the chance for the viral infection to spread. In addition, persons who worked closely with the COVID-positive officers in the last three days have been recommended for testing.