Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica (April 22, 2020)
Location: Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
Event: Please see several updates regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Jamaica
The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Jamaica has confirmed 233 cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica.
- Updated island-wide curfew hours: As of April 22, 2020, the Government of Jamaica announced updated curfew hours. The curfew will now run from 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. Work hours are designated as from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. with travel times designated for 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Social distancing order: The Government of Jamaica has now instituted a social distancing order that all persons should maintain a distance of 6 feet between one another.
- Mandatory mask-wearing: In public spaces, all persons are required to wear a mask.
- Public Transportation operating hours: Licensed carriers may operate from 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Extension of border closure: Jamaican borders remain closed through May 31, 2020.
- No large gatherings: Gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited for another 14 days. Establishments such as bars and places of amusement remain closed.
- St. Catherine Parish lockdown extended: The government has extended the lockdown of St. Catherine Parish for an additional seven days as of April 22, 2020.
- See more updates regarding COVID-19 in Jamaica on the Ministry of Health website.
- Limited flight availability: As of this message, JetBlue still has flights scheduled for April 23 and April 25 departing from Montego Bay and Kingston. There are currently no seats available on the flight from Kingston on April 25. All other airlines have suspended service to Jamaica. U.S. Citizens seeking to return to the United States are urged to make travel arrangements now while commercial options are available.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands government has confirmed 67 cases of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands.
- Air Bridge to United Kingdom Scheduled: On April 21, the Government of Cayman Islands announced that a flight has been scheduled to the United Kingdom for April 28. All those who have registered via the travel hotline will be sent a link to book tickets.
- At this time, no further flights to the United States have been scheduled and the Owen Roberts Airport remains closed. U.S. citizens wishing to return to the United States from Cayman Islands are urged to contact the Cayman Islands Government’s emergency travel hotline at emergencytravel@gov.ky and copy the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston at KingstonACS@state.gov to register your interest.
- Hard Curfew in Effect: a hard curfew has resumed for all of Cayman Islands between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M. Beaches remain closed.
- Find more updates on the Cayman Islands COVID-19 Information page.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Cayman.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Jamaica.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteo n the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica
142 Old Hope Rd. Kingston 6, Jamaica
+1-876-702-6000
KingstonACS@state.gov
https://jm.usembassy.gov/ - U.S. Consular Agency Montego Bay
Whitter Village, Ironshore
Unit EU-1 (across from Burger King)
Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
+1-876-953-0620
MobayACS@state.gov - U.S. Consular Agency Cayman Islands
150 Smith Road
Smith Road Center, Unit 202B
George Town, KY1-1010
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
+345-945-8173
CaymanACS@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 - Jamaica Country Information
- Cayman Island Country Information
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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