Travelers can now wear a button to avoid government quarantine at Cayman Islands
As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
Cayman Islands may possibly have the most innovative reopening plans as it prepares to begin a six-month phased reopening of its borders on Sept. 1.
In preparation for welcoming tourists, the local government said it was partnering with U.S.-based biotech company BioIntelliSense to provide a new option for health monitoring. BioButton, the company's FDA-approved technology device, can track trends that might indicate a respiratory infection like the coronavirus. Specifically, the device monitors heart rate at rest, respiratory rate and skin temperature.
TPG first saw the story on View from the Wing.
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BioButton can also help with contact tracing efforts if need be. Its health sensors connect to the BioMobile smartphone app via Bluetooth to monitor the user's whereabouts, but proximity and duration to other BioButton devices can track users and report them to contact tracing operations.
"This advanced health screening solution enhances our reopening protocols, providing further confidence that we can once again welcome visitors to our shores while minimizing the risk of introducing new cases to the local community," said Minister for Tourism Moses Kirkconnell.
Guide: 5 things to know about the Westin Grand Cayman
While all travelers coming into the Cayman Islands still need to provide a proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure, they will now be provided an option to wear a BioButton for 14 days. The stipulation to that, however, is self-isolation in a private accommodation is still required for five days until they take a second PCR test in five days and get a negative result.
If travelers decline that option, they will have to resort to staying in a government-managed facility for 14 days.
Despite these new technological advancements, Cayman Islands still seem to be taking a conservative approach with its border reopening. No commercial flights will resume for its reopening, and anyone hoping to come must first register with TravelTime for permission to travel on one of the government-arranged repatriation flights or by private air.
Related: Country-by-country guide to reopening
Theoretically, however, any American who has the means to travel are able to come to the islands provided that they are able to follow some of these legal requirements. The local government has not excluded Americans as part of its reopening plan, contrary to what many foreign governments are doing nowadays.
This may change as the country is still working to finalize details of reopening protocols and any costs and quantities of the BioButton made available. In addition, Cayman Islands' Reopening Borders Committee is planning to release details of self-isolation arrangements, data privacy and management for the BioButton and how to secure PCR testing.
Details on when the second phase of reopening will happen will also be announced in the coming weeks.
More: Country-by-country guide of reopenings in the Caribbeans
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees