02 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEY POINTS
KEMH update:
The Falkland Islands continues to have no confirmed COVID-19 tests.
124 samples have been taken to date, and results received so far for 86 of these from the UK. They are all negative for COVID-19.
Samples will continue to be taken and sent to the UK on the regular Airbridge flights.
A young girl who had required ventilator support is recovering. She is no longer on a ventilator but continues to receive care in the hospital. Her test was negative for COVID-19, and showed that she had a serious but different viral respiratory condition.
She is no longer in the isolation section of the hospital.
There are two patients currently at KEMH who were earlier transferred from MPA for care and observation.
Neither are receiving ventilation care but are in the isolation section of the hospital as a precaution.
Samples have been taken from both patients for UK testing.
Application process being outlined:
The Falkland Islands Government is today releasing details of how people can apply for
the Falkland Islands Government’s initial support package for private sector employees, private sector employers and the self-employed affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are doing this to reinforce and support the public health action which the Falkland Islands Government is taking to protect the population and minimise social and economic impact of this challenging issue.
The measures are part of a wider package of support for the Falklands Islands community and economy.
On Friday 3 April 2020 the Director of Policy and Economic Development, Andrew Gaule will provide a radio update on the Governments recently announced support package for the private sector employees and the self-employed.
Supplies to the island:
MV Scout voyage 429 is in and unloading at FIPASS.
Cargo for the next Scout voyage 431 is already en route south to Uruguay, with the voyage due to arrive in Stanley in late April as per the published schedule.
SAAS have also advised that customer cargo is already booked for the following voyage 433 (arriving Stanley in late May) and voyage 435 (arriving Stanley in late June).
There are no anticipated difficulties at present with any part of the sea freight logistics that feed the scheduled Scout service.
Although some items are currently unavailable locally due to unusual purchasing patterns, the majority of stock is at normal levels, which for most major suppliers is sufficient to fulfil 1 to 3 months expected sales.
FIG will continue to work closely with the business sector and our logistics partners to ensure our supply links remain strong.
Concordia Bay:
Workboat Services Ltd's prime aim is to maintain the critical supply line to outer islands and West Falkland; in order to achieve this, it is vital to protect the crew of the Concordia Bay from illness.
With that aim, the schedule for April has been cancelled and a new schedule to resupply West Falkland and the Islands has been released.
These delivery voyages are for vital supplies, e.g. food, fuel, general consumables after which vehicles, building materials and other general cargo will be accommodated if there is capacity.
However if you have a specified urgent requirement please contact Workboat Services and they will try to assist if possible. It is vital to enable efficient use of the Concordia Bay that users of the Concordia Bay contact Workboat Services well in advance. Their email is
The SE Islands delivery for all SE islands, Fox Bay and Port Howard will now take place as follows
Cargo Receiving: 8 and 9 April
Deliveries: 13 – 19 April.
(Please note that cargo will be accepted for Port Howard on this voyage)
The next West Islands delivery for all the Western islands will take place as follows
Cargo receiving: 23 and 24 April
Deliveries: 27 April – 3 May.
Please note that these dates may well change as circumstances change.
Repatriation advisory:
People may have noticed that the UK Government has been arranging repatriation flights for stranded British Nationals (UK tourists and business travellers) unable to return because of disruption to air routes.
The Falkland Islands Government would like to clarify that these flights are not for repatriating British Nationals who are in effect ‘resident’ or working in the Falkland Islands.
As people are aware, the LATAM commercial air routes have ceased for a month, but the Military Airbridge flights are still operating, flying twice a week back to the UK.
Anyone, from any country who is currently in the Islands who needs to discuss their personal situation further should talk to their employer either in the private sector, or if employed by Government, contact their manager.
The Government recognises this is a stressful time for all, particularly those with family in other countries.
Airbridge advisory from British Forces South Atlantic Islands:
The inbound flight TOW2232 is scheduled to arrive at MPC on Friday 3 April at 2120 hrs local.
The Northbound flight TOW2233 is scheduled to leave MPC on Sunday 5 Apr 20 at 0330hrs local.
Check-in times for TOW2233 are as follows:
4 Apr Phase 1: 1900 - 2000 hrs local
Phase 2: 2300 - 2359 hrs local
Board Through: 2300 - 2359 hrs local
ETA - RAF Brize Norton: Monday 6 Apr 20 at 0150 hrs (UK local).
Enhanced Social distancing is enforced. Only report to the Air Terminal if you have been informed that you are travelling on this rotation. Due to limited payload, passengers will not be able to take excess baggage over their entitlement on their booking.
FIGO update:
On the advice of the UK Prime Minister, the Falkland Islands Government Office in London is closed and all staff are working from home. Despite this we are working as normal and remain available to help all Islanders in the UK, Falkland Islands organisations, FIG, and anyone traveling to and from the Islands. Please do not hesitate to contact them, they are there to help.
If as a result of COVID-19 you are in need of additional help, whether that be financially or with practical things like shopping, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help in any way we can, whether that is putting you in contact with help locally or signposting you to another source of help.
Points of Contact
Airbridge – Please contact our Travel Co-Ordinator Teryn Joshua on either 07984 096 726 or
Medical – Please contact our Medical Co-Ordinator Gemma Clayphan on either 07903 379 006 or
Students – Please contact the Deputy Representative Michael Betts on
For all other queries regarding COVID-19 or any other issues, we can be reached via 020 7222 2542 (message will provide a range of contact information due to office being forced to close until further notice) or
- Advice around the Falkland Islands Government’s COVID-19 response can change. Please watch out for further statements from the Government in local media and through the FIG and Community Facebook pages, the web page www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19 and other channels.
GET COVID-19 SMART
It is highly important that COVID-19 advice is followed.
This is especially so for anyone in the community who is advised to self-isolate. This is a very tangible and effective way you can play your part and keep yourself and our community safe.
Our guidance on social distancing is also very important to follow. It helps reduce the chance of COVID-19 being passed from person to person. There are information sheets available on fig.gov.fk/covid-19 and watch out for our Facebook handy messages.
CURRENT GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL WORK CATEGORIES
We are currently advising everyone to reduce all non-essential activities until further notice; everyone should stay at home where they can, and work from home where possible.
Essential activities, at this stage, include critical and key work, where this cannot be done from home.
Essential work categories are available on our www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19 website under the 26 March update.
If you are unclear about where your function or activities sit please contact the Secretariat on 28450.