Grand Cayman, 22 October 2021 – The Cayman Islands will reopen its borders for nearly all vaccinated travellers on Saturday, 20 November 2021.
Premier Hon. Wayne Panton announced this at a COVID-19 update press conference today at the Government Administration Building (GAB) and reiterated that the transition into Phase 4 means quarantine requirements for most vaccinated travellers will be removed.
He said the reopening will be well-planned and run according to the plan to ensure Government continues to take a “strong, sensible, pragmatic and safe approach to the reopening”.
“This now gives us the opportunity as a country to rebuild our reputation as a world-class tourism destination and get many families and businesses back to work,” the Premier said.
Addressing the press conference with him were Minister for Health Hon. Sabrina Turner and Minister for Tourism Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson as well as the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee. Prayers were led by Pastor Steve Brady of First Baptist Church.
Noting that the reopening can create an increased risk of community transmissions and hospitalisations, the Premier pointed out that the pandemic is already in the Cayman Islands community and is being managed.
“COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future but we know there is no better time than now to continue with our reopening plan. Our guiding principles will remain the same: safeguarding the health of our community, protecting our health services, and being guided by the best data and science,” the Premier added.
Thanking all in the community for their patience and those who have been working to make the reopening happen, the Premier noted that Government will continue to “liaise with our private and civic sector stakeholders for the finalisation of the details required for the operations and logistics of implementing the reopening plan. There has been a dedicated team of well qualified and highly experienced individuals working day in and day out.”
He emphasised, “Now is the time for us to come together as one Cayman and embrace the reopening of our country as an opportunity for a fresh start. However, this is going to require corporate responsibility, personal responsibility, and a sense of collective responsibility. We are moving forward with a safe and sustained reopening that protects our healthcare and education systems.”
He added, “I thank you for your time today and encourage you all to be responsible for your own health and safety. Get vaccinated and get your booster when it is your turn—I did mine today.”