Dear CMR,
I am planning on traveling to Jamaica for three days and would like to be able to come back then. Do you think that's possible?
Jamaican Mamma
Dear Jamaican Mamma,
We have been hearing rumors from Saturday afternoon that Cabinet is considering closing the airport for a period of some weeks. From that day we understood there was to be a press conference today to confirm the details of what will happen.
Other extremely reliable sources indicate that the press conference will be held today at 2:00 pm to an announcement that the airport will be closed for inbound flights by Thursday for and outbound flights by Sunday for tourists. Residents will be permitted to have some restricted access to travel with conditions.
We would suggest waiting on the government's statement but it is unlikely you will be able to leave and return before then.
Rumors indicate a closure of some two weeks. Stay tuned here for further updates as this is a developing story.
OWEN ROBERTS AIRPORT:
Based on present information from the Cayman Islands Government, Owen Roberts Airport is expected to be open to UK flights until at least Sunday, close of play.
We understand that CIG are encouraging any Caymanians in the UK who wish to return home to make arrangements to travel between now and Sunday.
CIGO understands that the Cayman Islands Government will make a further announcement later today.
UPDATE:
Following a meeting of Cabinet, shortly after 2:15 pm, the Premier Alden McLaughlin announced the following:
Owen Roberts International Airport and Charles Kirkconnell Airport will close for international flights for passengers from Sunday, March 22nd at 11:59 pm until April 12th.
Inbound flights will cease March 19th after which only Cayman residents will be permitted to return, with the exception of the flight from the U.K. on Sunday, March 22nd.
All persons arriving into the Cayman Islands are now required to isolate for 14 days.
In an effort to protect the Sister Islands which have a disproportionately large elderly population – flights to and from the Brac and Little Cayman will be restricted to residents, critical workers and officials.
The airport will remain open for emergencies, to medivac patients and cargo flights will continue.
The Governor, the Hon. Martyn Roper said he fully supported the decisions to protect the public health and safety of the people of the Cayman Islands.
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