Please note: construction companies will be contacted by the Department of Planning regarding obtaining an exemption independently of this form. Site owners will need to provide detailed staff lists that will be then used to contact staff for COVID-19 screening. Once testing is complete the relevant authority will issue an exemption letter.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all eager to carry on with our lives and livelihoods. Unfortunately we are not operating in a “business as usual” situation. There are special rules that apply to us all during this crisis. Some of those rules are embodied in the Regulations made under the Public Health Law, which are intended to prevent, control and suppress the transmission of COVID-19. All violations are being strictly enforced by the RCIPS. To that end, only essential businesses are allowed to operate on Grand Cayman at this time.
What Does “Essential Business” Mean?
Essential businesses are those which have been permitted to serve the public in Grand Cayman after applying for an exemption, namely:
- Health care facilities.
- Supermarkets, convenience stores, minimarts, liquor stores, pharmacies, gas or refilling stations, post offices, mail and parcel delivery businesses, money remittance facilities, hardware stores, home depots, retail businesses, car dealerships and other businesses which sell vehicle parts and maintain and repair vehicles, car wash businesses, real estate businesses, pet grooming businesses and laundromats may operate between 6am and 9pm (subject to any restrictions in other legislation).
- Banks, credit unions and building societies may operate between 9am and 4pm.
- Restaurants may produce food for take-out and delivery. Takeout must be picked up by 7pm and food delivery must be complete by 10pm.
- Construction, building and maintenance businesses, including businesses which provide engineering, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and similar services between 6am and 9pm and subject to any conditions which may be imposed by the Competent Authority.
- Such other public places as may be specified by the Competent Authority.
Other examples of essential businesses are:
- those performing vital tasks such as water/gas delivery
- those unloading and transporting cargo
- news media
- taxis
- emergency veterinary services
- licensed security guard businesses
Mobile Business Operation
- Grounds maintenance, landscaping, gardening services
- Mobile car wash services
- Mobile tyre repair services
- Pool maintenance
If those businesses have applied for an exemption, and received a permit, they are allowed to operate - subject to the provisions of the Regulations under the Public Health Law.
Employees of these essential businesses need to be issued with a letter from their employer, stating that they are an essential staff member.
All of the above must first request an exemption.
- The Port Authority handles its own exemptions to collect cargo. Email: exemptions@caymanport.com
- Medical appointments are not restricted to the soft curfew day.
- If a person driving a vulnerable individual (not a minor) for a medical reason, they should request an exemption.
