11 November 2020
Second civilian Covid-19 case in the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands Government can confirm a second positive civilian test result for Covid-19. As with the case reported yesterday, this positive indication was as a result of quarantine surveillance swabbing; the individual in question has been in quarantine ever since their arrival in the Islands and remains so. They will continue to receive regular testing at intervals and will not be able to leave their premises until their 14-day quarantine period comes to end and they twice test negative for Covid-19.
As previously, KEMH has initiated the approved track and trace protocols and is continuing to monitor the situation. The government intends to provide a further update towards the end of the week as the results of the quarantine surveillance swabs for passengers arriving on both 5 November and 9 November flights become available. This further serves to demonstrate that surveillance swabbing during quarantine is working in the way intended. We can also confirm that there are no Covid-19 patients in KEMH.
The Falkland Islands Government would like to advise everyone in the community that the situation is being carefully and closely managed. In the meantime, please be reminded of the importance of good public hygiene:
- Always cough and sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissue safely in a bin and wash your hands afterwards. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze and cough into the crook of your elbow.
- If you are unwell with any infectious illness, please act responsibly and stay away from people and crowds and isolate yourself as much as possible.
- Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and avoid sharing personal items.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing, and always before handling and consuming food and after using the toilet.