The Cayman Islands government has announced a phased reopening of its borders starting on September 1.
Cayman Islands is deploying ground breaking technology for screening arrivals using a wearable health-monitoring device which facilitates a controlled, safe reopening of the jurisdiction.
As part of a comprehensive reopening strategy, the government is engaging BioIntelliSense, the US-based biotech company that produces medical-grade sensors for continuous health screening, to passively monitor incoming travellers for early symptoms associated with COVID-19. In addition to providing proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to flying, international travellers can opt-in to wear the BioIntelliSense BioButto device that monitors their heart rate at rest, respiratory rate and skin temperature to enable earlier detection of symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Deputy premier and minister for tourism, Moses Kirkconnell, stated: ?This advanced health screening solution enhances our reopening protocols, providing further confidence that we can once again welcome visitors to our shores while minimising the risk of introducing new cases to the local community. Choosing to wait until September to begin the phased reopening will ensure that all of the necessary precautions are in place to restart our tourism economy safely and responsibly.?
Chief medical officer Dr John Lee has been trialling the technology, wearing a BioIntelliSense medical device for the past month. ?I have been able to experience first-hand how unobtrusive it is to wear, and the accuracy of the data it provides. The primary advantage is the BioButton?s ability to provide an alert to any changes in vital statistics that could indicate trending towards a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and provides Public Health the opportunity to intervene as soon as possible.?
Government?s Reopening Borders Committee (RBC) is finalising the details of phase one reopening protocols and will publish further information in the coming weeks. Details include how to secure PCR testing, arrangements for self-isolation, data privacy and management and programme fees.
