The Cayman government has cited the pandemic situation in major source markets, such as the US, for its decision.

Cayman Airways will continue to operation ad hoc repatriation flights, while the country’s travel corridor with the UK will remain open.

The Cayman Islands featured on the Department for Transport’s initial quarantine-free travel corridor list issued in July, and is also exempt from the Foreign Office advisory against all non-essential travel worldwide.

British Airways will operate a special flight to Gatwick on 28 August for Cayman students studying overseas, while the Cayman governor’s office is in talks with BA over a fortnightly Gatwick service.

Cayman Airways will also be operating repatriation flights to Miami, Kingston and La Ceiba in Hondurus to assist those affected by the extended border closure.

Anyone travelling to the islands will have to quarantine on arrival in a government facility for 14 days, and will be required to return a negative Covid test before they can leave.

Minister of tourism, Moses Kirkconnell, said: “From the outset of the pandemic, the government has placed the highest priority on public health and safety and we are approaching the reopening of the islands’ borders with the same degree of due care and attention.

"It is unfortunate this decision had to be taken, but we believe it is the most prudent thing to do given the environment beyond our shores.

"Waiting to open our borders is allowing us to learn from the experiences of other countries, and is ensuring that sufficient time is allocated to putting all of the necessary precautions in place keep our Islands safe and people protected.”