Falkland Islands Government
COVID-19: Information and Guidance

07 October 2020

COVID-19 Public Update


KEMH TESTING

2,682 tests have now been processed in total, with no positive results received for 165 days.

UPDATE ON SWAB TESTING

We now offer three types of swab testing in the Falkland Islands, in order to better protect the entire community. People will be familiar with symptomatic swabbing, which is offered to people with flu-like symptoms and taken on day two or three after symptoms appear.

We also carry out surveillance swabbing, in particular for individuals who frequently interact with the public – such as health and social services, retail and hospitality. Companies or individuals who wish to undertake surveillance swabbing can email their request to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Finally, we have recently introduced quarantine swabbing. This entails an initial call from KEMH on your arrival in the islands to arrange for three swabs to be taken 48-72 hours after you land, then again on days 7 and 13. The negative results ensure that you are in the best position to come out of quarantine. If you are sharing accommodation with other people, they will also be offered the opportunity to be swabbed on days 7 and 13.

Quarantine swabbing is not mandatory, but it is hoped that people will engage with the programme in order to assure themselves that they are not infected with Covid-19, whether they display the symptoms or not.

Swabbing is a vital tool in helping to keep everyone safe, in particular high-risk individuals. It is also the main way in which we can reassure ourselves that we are free of Covid-19.

INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING A COVID-19 SWAB PRIOR TO TRAVEL

KEMH has been receiving enquiries from individuals requesting a Covid-19 swab to be undertaken prior to travel. These can be arranged by emailing the following information
to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject heading “Travel Swab”. Where possible please submit the following information at least 10 days before travel:

  1. Full Name, address and date of birth of the person requiring the swab
  2. Telephone number for KEMH to contact the person requiring the swab
  3. Date that the individual in question will be leaving the Islands
  4. Country the person is travelling to AND the requirements of that country (i.e. swab must be taken within 72 hours of departure)

KEMH will contact you to arrange an appointment and will call to advise your results.

 

QUARANTINE AND VISITOR POLICY

 

The Government is now reviewing some of the detailed policies around quarantine to ascertain whether current arrangements remain satisfactory. Each person travelling to the Falkland Islands receives a copy of the latest guidance from the Chief Medical Officer, which outlines how they should undertake quarantine at home. The key things to remember are:

 

  • During quarantine you are restricted to your home and your garden and you should remain there unless you require medical assistance or there is an emergency
  • During quarantine do not meet friends, go to work, school or public areas, or use public transport until you have completed your 14 full days of quarantine
  • You can order groceries, electricity cards, fuel, other shopping or medication over the phone and the delivery instruction needs to state that the items are to be left outside or in the porch, as is appropriate for your home
  • Do not invite or allow visitors to enter your property or garden, only those who live in your household should be allowed to stay
  • You cannot go for a walk, run or drive, even to a remote place

 

ILLNESS REMINDER


The KEMH would also like to remind everyone that should you have a cold or flu-like illness, or any gastrointestinal illness, then please stay at home; do not go to work or school.


If you are unwell with any viral-type illness, KEMH asks that you call them on 28000 but DO NOT go to the hospital. Members of staff will provide advice to you on the phone. A reminder that the symptoms of Covid-19 are:

  • A new or worsening cough
  • A high temperature
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Temporary loss of taste or smell

 

SURVEY ON RESPONSE TO COVID-19


The results of the Covid-19 survey, alongside a number of recommendations, are on track to be presented to the Government’s Corporate Management Team and MLAs by early November, and it is anticipated that publication will follow those discussions.


LATAM UPDATE

As previously stated, LATAM has confirmed that the Sao Paolo route will remain suspended until at least 20 October 2020, and the situation will be reviewed nearer to that date. As announced on 27 August 2020, the Punta Arenas-Santiago route will remain suspended until at least 2 January 2021, and the situation will be reviewed closer to the end of that period.