Ministry of Tourism Continues to Work Closely with Tourism Partners to Stave Off Coronavirus

George Town, Cayman Islands (3 March, 2020) The Ministry of District Administration, Tourism and Transport wishes to assure the public that there is no truth to reports circulating in the media that Carnival Cruise lines have dropped the Cayman Islands from its Western Caribbean itinerary. In fact, the Ministry continues to work collaboratively with cruise line partners and are adhering to established medical protocols with respect to the docking of cruise ships and landing of cruise ship passengers.

Referencing the actions being taken by the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell stated that the Ministry of Tourism is taking very seriously the potential threat posed by the Coronavirus. “We are proactively working with industry partners and stakeholders to ensure compliance with the extensive protections put in place by the Ministry of Health to safeguard public health and protect the points of entry into our Islands. At the regional level, the Cayman Islands have also participated in discussions with CARICOM leaders and representatives from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to co-operatively establish and implement minimum standards and protocols to help protect the Caribbean community from the Coronavirus.”

The Ministry of Health, Public Health officials and the management of the Health Services Authority have confirmed that at this time there are no cases of the Coronavirus in the country.

“While we will continue to be guided by the Ministry of Health and medical professionals, it is also important that on a personal level we each take responsibility for our own well-being by following the general infection control measures,” stated Minister Kirkconnell. Those measures include:
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Frequently cleansing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Avoiding close contact with people who show symptoms of respiratory illness.

For further information the public is advised to visit the Health Services Authority website which is updated regularly.