Amended COVID-19 regulations prohibit carnivals and parades

(CMR) Amended COVID-19 regulations mean that there will be no carnival or parades allowed at this time. Both Batabano and CayMas carnival organizers had events coming up in June. However, new regulations were gazetted Friday with immediate effect and will continue through July 15.

Despite that restriction, carnival-related social events are permitted.

Changes to Regulation 4 lifted the prohibition of parties, stage shows, concerts and other social activities related to parades. Parades, including carnival parades, are still prohibited, regardless of location and the number of persons participating, and require the express approval of the Cabinet via regulation to occur.

Additional changes include the removal of pre-flight PCR testing for returning residents who are traveling back to the Cayman Islands and were vaccinated by the Health Services Authority (HSA).

This applies only if the traveler has completed a full course of vaccination by the HSA against the COVID-19 disease at least two weeks before boarding.

Amendments to Regulations 2 and 3 permit emergency shelters to have over 500 persons indoors only in circumstances where the premises are being used as an emergency shelter in the event of a threat of a disaster or the aftermath of a disaster.

The Prevention, Control and Suppression of COVID-19 (No. 2) Regulations, 2021 and the Prevention, Control and Suppression of COVID-19 (Travel and Boating) Regulations, 2021 expire on 15 July, 2021; however, Cabinet will continue to determine what public health measures are necessary, including after 15 July, 2021, and may continue to amend the regulations and/or extend these restrictions as long as required.

The updated regulations can be found at: