As we know, the lockdown has hit our tourism industry hard. To date, more than 1,000 Caymanian tourism workers have applied to the Government for assistance after losing their jobs in the industry and Government has extended the deadline for unemployed Caymanian tourism-related employees to register for assistance with the Ministry of Tourism. They can continue to register until 11:59 pm on Sunday 7 June. The proposal being considered is for them to receive $1,000 per month for three months. Those who want to register can complete an online application at www.tourismregistration.ourcayman.ky.

We began this week on Monday by re-opening more sectors of our economy.

The remainder of the construction industry, all retail and realtors have been able to open from last Monday, 1June, and from the accounts I have received this week, all has gone very well. All abiding by social distancing requirements, the wearing of masks in public places and enhanced hygiene measures.

So from Sunday, 7 June, we are moving forward with further relaxation of restrictions.

Hard curfew on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac will move to 10pm through until 4.30am. As you know this does not apply to Little Cayman, which has no restrictions. However social distancing and the wearing of masks in public places continue to apply to all of our three islands.
Persons will be able to have gatherings of up to 6 people. In Cayman Brac there are no changes, and gatherings of 25 persons or less continue.
From Sunday, you will be able to exercise with five other persons who are not members of your household for up to 2 hours per day from 4.45am - 9pm.

You will be able to exercise on the beach, swim in the sea and fish from the shoreline on any day including Sundays.
In Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, you'll be able to go fishing with up to 6 people in a boat from Sunday; however, you cannot travel for pleasure between the Islands. You're also prohibited to congregate or visit Starfish Point, Rum Point, the Sandbar or Stingray City.
Also this weekend on Sunday, we will see the reopening of restaurants and bars that can open to provide an open-aired seated service for food and/or beverages.

The Competent Authority with guidance from the Chief Medical Officer, along with other Government departments, have developed guidance for restaurant and bar owners seeking to open for service from Sunday 7 June.

The guidelines are available at www.exploregov.ky/curfewtime the page developed by the Competent Authority to facilitate applications by businesses for exemptions from curfew restrictions.

The rules set out for operations of restaurants and bars outdoors are as follows.

Set up for Bars and Restaurants:

- Tables should be a minimum of 8ft apart.
- Maximum group size is 6 individuals
- Customers from different households must sit 6ft apart.
- Customers from the same household can sit closer together.
- Social distancing must be maintained in restrooms and waiting areas.
- All seating must be removed from the bar area.
- No person shall be permitted to be seated or served at an indoor counter in a restaurant or bar.
- Restaurants and bars shall operate no later than 9:00pm.

Specific to Restaurants /Dining:

- All dining must be in an open-air establishment. No enclosed or air conditioneddining allowed.
- All employees must wear masks/face covering.
- Sanitisation stations must be setup accordingly for staff.
- Mingling or physical contact with others is prohibited.
- One-time paper menus will be used or no contact menu display boards.
- Shared condiments are not allowed on tables-all condiments must be single use.
- Staff must wear gloves and masks when handling used dishes and tables.

Customer management:

- Customers can only be served when seated at a table. No bar counter or standing service is permitted.
- Customers must use a mask/face covering at all times when not seated at their table.
- Mingling within 6 feet or physical contact with others is prohibited.