02 December 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH TESTING
- Total number of swab tests taken and processed to date: 4,454
- Total number of swabs taken but not yet tested: 63
- Total number of positive test results since 3 April 2020: 17
- Number of current positive test results within the Islands: 2
Since the last update on Tuesday 24 November there has been one further positive test result which is not in Stanley or Camp. The number of current positive results is two as two previous cases have made a full recovery and are now out of quarantine, having completed their 14 days of isolation and having tested negative twice for the virus, 48 hours apart.
All positive test results have arisen as a result of surveillance swabbing during quarantine. In all cases, individuals have remained in quarantine since their arrival into the Islands and are not able to leave quarantine until they have fulfilled their 14 days in isolation and have also twice tested negative for Covid-19.
We continue to offer three types of swab testing in the Falkland Islands – symptomatic swabbing, surveillance swabbing and quarantine swabbing. Swabbing provides us with a very clear picture of whether the virus is present in the Islands and we encourage everyone to engage with the regime.
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
QUARANTINE AND VISITOR POLICY
On 16 November 2020, improved quarantine measures were brought into force. People are still required to go into quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the Islands. This requirement applies regardless of whether the person is returning home to the Falkland Islands, or is visiting for work or pleasure.
However, whereas before people were told that they should stay separate from everyone else sharing their accommodation, people now must stay in isolation from others in the same accommodation, unless everyone is quarantining together. Where people are unable to stay separate from others during their quarantine period, they should seek alternative accommodation and the Falkland Islands Government will facilitate this. Anyone who needs this support should call 27193 or email
Under the new measures, on arriving at the airport, people must travel to their place of accommodation using government-designated transport (via Penguin Travel) or, if using a private vehicle, must travel alone or only with the people they will be quarantining with. This means that if family or friends wish to collect a passenger from the airport then they will need to go into quarantine with that person.
The requirement to quarantine can be enforced by the police and contravention of the requirement is a criminal offence which can attract a fine of up to £2000, imprisonment for up to 3 months, or both. The government reviews the quarantine arrangements every 42 days and all new evidence regarding quarantine options are included in the review.
Mindful of the fact that students will be returning to the Falkland Islands for Christmas, the government has already written to parents to remind them of the quarantine requirements. There will continue to be information sent out to students prior to their departure from the UK and a Public Service Announcement will be sent out across the community as a reminder that all visitors arriving in the Islands for the festive break will still be subject to quarantine.
LATAM UPDATE
The Falkland Islands Government continues to closely monitor the situation regarding the suspension of commercial airlinks with Chile and Brazil, in light of the ongoing pandemic. While these flights are vital to the social and economic development of the Islands, the government remains committed to ensuring that the health and safety of the community is maintained, as the circumstances across mainland South America continue to evolve.
Given the ongoing prevalence of the pandemic, the decision has been taken to extend the suspension periods for both the Punta Arenas and São Paolo routes until at least 31 March 2021. During this time, discussions between the operator and the government will continue so that these flights can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.