CMR Exclusive: New policy would release COVID positive people from isolation if specific criteria met

(CMR) Public Health has announced that there is a new policy for how people will be released from isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 with a reduction of days in isolation benefit for those who are vaccinated. The end result is that some individuals may be released from isolation whilst still “positive” according to the PCR test but will no longer be considered a public health risk.

The number of days in isolation from the first positive result either by LFT or PCR will now be 11 days for vaccinated and 15 days for unvaccinated persons. Criteria for early release include:

If a person is asymptomatic for at least 72 hours particularly with no fever or shortness of breath they – although they may be experiencing a dry cough and/or loss of smell/taste;
PCR result (after the period of isolation is completed) with a CT value over 32;
Any CT value between 30-32 but meeting the other criteria will be discussed with the Medical Officer of Health for a case by case consideration

“The new criteria for isolation release will allow some persons to get back to work & school, though still testing positive via PCR but not contagious and therefore not a public health risk to the community,” said Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health.

The mandatory requirement for exit PCR tests remains in effect and persons are not permitted to release themselves from isolation.

Isolation letters can be requested on this form – Click Here

Exit Testing:

COVID-19 positive individuals, who have reached the end of their isolation period, can attend any of the daily exit PCR testing clinics below from 11am – 1pm.

Ed Bush Sports Complex
Bodden Town Civic Centre
South Sound Community Centre

Once tested, individuals must return home and isolate until further instruction.

Fully vaccinated individuals are required to isolate for 10 days, with PCR test on day 11*
Individuals not fully vaccinated are required to isolate for 14 days, with PCR test on day 15*
Note: The day of your original PCR test is considered Day 0.

Individuals due for exit PCR testing include:

Persons who tested positive
Unvaccinated adult (18+) household members of a positive (in the above categories)

Fully vaccinated persons (or unvaccinated children) eligible and currently testing negative for daily lateral flow testing, do not need a PCR test.

The afternoon testing clinic is for exiting testing for community cases only. Individuals requiring regular PCR screening are encouraged to schedule an appointment online https://www.hsa.ky/appointment or visit HSA’s COVID testing walk-in clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital Monday – Friday 7:30am – 12pm or Saturdays 10am – 12pm.

If you are positive for COVID-19 and you develop symptoms or if existing symptoms worsen by calling the flu hotline on 1-800-534-8600 or 947-3077 or email [email protected].

What is CT Value?

Short for cycle threshold, Ct is a value that emerges during RT-PCR tests, the gold standard for detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In an RT-PCR test, RNA is extracted from the swab collected from the patient. It is then converted into DNA, which is then amplified. Amplification refers to the process of creating multiple copies of the genetic material — in this case, DNA. This improves the ability of the test to detect the presence of virus. Amplification takes place through a series of cycles — one copy becomes two, two becomes four, and so on — and it is after multiple cycles that a detectable amount of virus is produced.

The Ct value of an RT-PCR reaction is the number of cycles at which fluorescence of the PCR product is detectable over and above the background signal. Put simply, the Ct value refers to the number of cycles after which the virus can be detected. If a higher number of cycles is required, it implies that the virus went undetected when the number of cycles was lower. The lower the Ct value, the higher the viral load — because the virus has been spotted after fewer cycles.