Cayman Islands is getting ready for reopening next phase
Unless last minute changes occur, Cayman is gradually relaxing the COVID-19 caused restrictions and returning to a degree of normality while keeping virus under control
According to Hon. Premier Alden McClaughlin as Cayman goes through the five-stages towards a return to normality.
Cayman Islands has been at the Level 3 (Moderate Suppression) phase for the past two weeks which is planned to continue until June 21st.
During this time more commercial and public activity has returned to so called 'new normal' including types of recreation although a hard overnight and soft daytime curfew remain in place.
The expected next stage, Level 2 (Mild Suppression) would see even more restrictions eased especially on Grand Cayman with more customer-facing businesses and offices allowed to open, more freedom of public gatherings, and crucially, the possibility the resumption of church assemblies being one of the most anticipated - and demanded - activities.
The borders are expected to remain closed to regular sea and air travel other than what has been specified in the current regulations.
The awaited decision on the reopening of the borders is critical to the tourism economy sector in the territory.
Premier Alden McLaughlin has been giving a glimpse of what the next phase of ‘unlocking the lockdown’ is likely to look like.
Speaking on Friday the Premier said: “Unless something really nasty jumps out at us, which we don’t expect, we will be moving to Suppression Level 2 on the 22nd (of June). We are still working out the details and I hope to make an announcement by the middle of next week so that people will have some time to prepare.”
According to McLaughlin, the plan is for Level 2 is intended to span four weeks from June 22nd to the end of the third week of July.
The regulations for that phase are now being drafted and will be enacted across two periods of two weeks each from June 22nd and July 5th, then from June 19th and beyond.
Meanwhile, businesses which are eligible for a support package launched about a month ago are being urged to take advantage of it.
The Micro and Small Enterprises relief and stimulus programme for those involved in the tourism sector is meant to offset the impact of the economic downturn and prepared them for new realities once full commercial activity resumes.
Cayman Islands has been at the Level 3 (Moderate Suppression) phase for the past two weeks which is planned to continue until June 21st.
During this time more commercial and public activity has returned to so called 'new normal' including types of recreation although a hard overnight and soft daytime curfew remain in place.
The expected next stage, Level 2 (Mild Suppression) would see even more restrictions eased especially on Grand Cayman with more customer-facing businesses and offices allowed to open, more freedom of public gatherings, and crucially, the possibility the resumption of church assemblies being one of the most anticipated - and demanded - activities.
The borders are expected to remain closed to regular sea and air travel other than what has been specified in the current regulations.
The awaited decision on the reopening of the borders is critical to the tourism economy sector in the territory.
Premier Alden McLaughlin has been giving a glimpse of what the next phase of ‘unlocking the lockdown’ is likely to look like.
Speaking on Friday the Premier said: “Unless something really nasty jumps out at us, which we don’t expect, we will be moving to Suppression Level 2 on the 22nd (of June). We are still working out the details and I hope to make an announcement by the middle of next week so that people will have some time to prepare.”
According to McLaughlin, the plan is for Level 2 is intended to span four weeks from June 22nd to the end of the third week of July.
The regulations for that phase are now being drafted and will be enacted across two periods of two weeks each from June 22nd and July 5th, then from June 19th and beyond.
Meanwhile, businesses which are eligible for a support package launched about a month ago are being urged to take advantage of it.
The Micro and Small Enterprises relief and stimulus programme for those involved in the tourism sector is meant to offset the impact of the economic downturn and prepared them for new realities once full commercial activity resumes.
