Health Information

Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) Guidance

COVID-19 can spread rapidly. The use of antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic or lateral flow tests (“LFTs”) assists in protecting our healthcare systems, and our community through quick identification via a more scalable and accessible option that does not create additional strain on the healthcare system.

The following guidance is available for specific sectors or settings.

The below documents detail the national policy for lateral flow testing in the Cayman Islands. 

As a part of the phased re-opening plan of our borders, The Cayman Islands Government has approved new testing methods to be added to our national protocols, to assist with the screening of COVID-19 in the community. This additional testing will be done through antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic or lateral flow tests (“LFTs”).

LFTs should not replace laboratory based molecular or polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) testing, which provides the most accurate results for clinical diagnostic detection, but will successfully assist in quickly identifying positive cases, which means we can lower the impact of isolation of close contacts.

COVID-19 spreads rapidly, and can cause severe strain on healthcare systems and societal disruption. The use of LFTs assists in protecting our healthcare systems, and our community through quick identification via a more scalable and accessible option that does not create additional strain on the healthcare system.

Vaccine Guidance

We know you might be thinking about the COVID-19 vaccine and what that means for you and your family. We also understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s important to note that vaccination is not mandatory for anyone. You can find the important information below about the COVID-19 vaccination in the Cayman Islands.

General Vaccine Information
Booster Programme Information
Children's Vaccines Information

Self Isolation Guidance

The Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Public Health Department have announced that effective 4 September 2023, the recommendation for all persons who are suffering from a respiratory infection — COVID-19, influenza, or a common cold is as follows:

  • Remain at home if symptomatic (having or showing symptoms of fever, coughing, running nose, muscle aches, chills)
  • Return to work after being symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours (if febrile, 24 hours from when the fever breaks)
  • Practice respiratory hygiene (cover mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, use masks when appropriate, use tissues and dispose of them properly, wash/sanitise hands before/after touching mouth/nose)

Residents and visitors needing additional guidance are encouraged to contact the FLU Hotline on 1-800-534-8600, 947-3077, or email flu@hsa.ky.