This will help ensure "that the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices this country has undergone together to fight COVID-19 will not be squandered".

They also noted with concern that some establishments are not following the protocols put in place for the reopening of liquor licensed businesses. Continued breaches could result in suspension of those establishments' licences.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee reported:

- Out of 391 test results, all are negative.

- Total tests done to date rise to 22,657.

- Of 196 positives now, three were in Cayman Brac (unchanged), no symptomatic patients, nine asymptomatic, 186 recovered.

- The 'flu clinic had six visits on Thursday, with five reporting mild, flu-like symptoms while the 'flu hotline got 18 calls of which three were 'flu related.

- There are 129 persons in government isolation facilities and 22 in self isolation at their homes.

- CARPHA continues to conduct confirmatory tests, acting as CI's reference lab for local test results. Of 100 reports sent, three test samples got spoiled en route and the other 97 samples had full concordance with the Health Services Authority (HSA) lab results.

- Also, of 383 results for antibody tests so far, one third were done at Health City and the rest at HSA. The resulting IgG detected is 1.6% in these, which is a low rate. So far 0.6% of the CI population has been covered and the testing will continue.

Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin said:

The Liquor Licensing Board has reported some breaches of licence conditions after the reopening of bars and restaurants, based on numerous complaints, including of some "hot spots" on the Seven Mile Beach. All liquor licence holders must comply with the Liquor Licensing Law and the Music and Dancing (Control) Law. They must adhere to opening and closing hours specified in their licences and the Public Health rules on social distancing. There are no extensions being granted beyond the specified hours on their licences. Routine checks will be carried out and those continuing in breach risk having their licences suspended.

A Borders Reopening Committee composed of 10 relevant agencies has been set up to better plan and manage the reopening of CI borders.

Anyone can register to be screened.

Many local establishments are gearing up for demands for staycations this summer while Government continues to provide isolation facilities. In this regard, a Request for Information (RFI) has been published for Providing Isolation Room Stock that will close on 9 July. Under this, government will lease/rent for an initial period of two months, with possible extensions based on the volume of need.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper said:

Today's results are "extremely encouraging". People need to continue practicing protocols put in place and "Stay safe Cayman".

The BA repatriation flight to India on 2 July is on track. The flight will bring a small number of passengers to the Cayman Islands. This will include some en route to the British Virgin Islands, for whom a second flight will arrive from the BVI after the BA flight lands in Grand Cayman.

A total of 350 applications have been received for the 50 Reservist positions with the CI Defence Regiment.

Shout outs went to Team Nolan and to the Meals on Wheels operation in East End.

Health Minister Dwayne Seymour said:

To help keep children mentally active throughout the summer, visit the kids blog page on the www.exploregov.ky website.
National attractions the QEII Botanic Park and the Pedro St. James Historic Great House are reopening to the public on Monday, 6 July. All are encouraged to visit.

In view of the Saharan dust plumes being experienced, anyone with respiratory illnesses is advised to limit outside activities over the weekend. If outside, wear masks at all times.

MRCU aerial spraying which had been curtailed by the dust plumes will resume tonight. However, fogger trucks continue to operate each night.
For details, see sidebar below.

Education Minister Hon. Juliana O'Connor-Connolly said:

All education authorities in the Cayman Islands who have put in diligent work during this pandemic are lauded.
Students' health and wellbeing has also been of paramount during this time.

Providing a summary of the education system in operation, Minister noted that Cayman Islands' engagement in education is a remarkable 87.8% during this pandemic.

This included providing distance learning to 5,020 government school students. Also 655 laptops were loaned to students who needed them.
Cabinet has approved provision of laptops to all government school students in a programme to be rolled out when students return to schools in early September. This will cost Government $3 million.

Also approved is a one-time grant to private schools hurting financially during this pandemic.