(CMR) The government has announced that starting next Friday all returning workers will be expected to pay for their mandatory isolation – The Holiday Inn. The all-inclusive cost for the 14-days at an isolation facility will be around CI$2,612.50 including transportation, all meals, laundry, and deep cleaning.
This applies to persons who may have left and wish to return and still have a valid work permit. The government will continue to pick up the tab for Caymanians and permanent residency. This requirement is expected to remain in place until the all-clear is given and all ports are re-opened.
CMR understands there will be no new work permit grants allowed in at this time.
The statement shared that:
“Work permit holders returning to the Cayman Islands on any of the ongoing evacuation/repatriation flights will need to spend 14 days at one of the government’s mandatory isolation facilities at their own cost.”
Caymanians and Permanent Residents returning from overseas must also isolate but will bear no cost Government confirmed on Friday, 15 May 2020.
As has been the practice for several weeks, at the end of the 14-day period all persons will be tested for COVID-19 and must receive a negative test result before they will be allowed to leave the facility.
In addition, anyone returning to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will have to be isolated before returning to the sister islands. Work permit holders and their spouses, allowed to return to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, must also isolate in a CIG facility for 14 days and are required to pay the costs of the isolation period.
After the isolation period is complete they will be permitted to depart the facility, head directly to the airport, and travel to Cayman Brac pending negative COVID-19 test results. Payment of costs will take effect from 22 May 2020 onwards.
Caymanians residing in Cayman Brac, that are allowed to return from Grand Cayman, as per Regulations, must isolate in a Government facility for 14 days but may do so at no cost.
All persons traveling to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman from Grand Cayman should bear in mind that, under the public health regulations, travel is currently restricted to persons providing essential services, and those who need to travel for emergency medical care or other urgent and compelling reasons.
Government had been paying the full costs of isolation at several local hotels after they agreed to make the facilities available for isolation purposes when returning students were coming back.
CMR sources indicate that they were also using Comfort Suites, Margaritaville and the Locale boutique hotel. Comfort Suites was more affordable because government was able to save some costs as they paid a minimal rate for the entire facility. The only remaining facility is the Holiday Inn. However, estimates run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars on what has been spent thus far.
Furthermore, such travel can only take place with the permission of the Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams, who may be contacted via email to [email protected]; or tel 244-2621.
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