06 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH Update:
There has been no change in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases today, with further test results due from the UK expected late tomorrow.
Yesterday it was announced a second positive test result had been received for COVID-19, involving an individual at the Mount Pleasant Complex who has been resident there for some time.
More recently the individual has been in isolation there as part of the ongoing MPC arrangements for dealing with possible cases.
The young girl who came down with a serious respiratory condition unrelated to COVID-19 is being cared for in the non-isolation part of the hospital and is continuing to improve.
The Falkland Islands Government is working closely with BFSAI to manage movements between Stanley and Mount Pleasant Complex.
The first patient to test positive for COVID-19 is also from MPC and has been in the isolation section at King Edward Memorial Hospital receiving care. Their condition is improving.
A second patient under care in isolation at KEMH is improving. They were admitted last week from MPC. Their test result is due this week.
As of Saturday, 137 samples have been taken and we have received 116 results. 114 have been negative and 2 have been positive. 1 was not tested as it was from one of the patients that we already had a positive result for.
The remaining 20 samples have now arrived by Airbridge in the UK for laboratory testing.
Once we have received the results the Government will consider whether the existing restrictions need to continue. A statement on the status of the current restrictions will be announced on Wednesday by the Chief Executive.
New arrivals must self-isolate:
For the sake of our community, people who arrive back in the Falkland Islands must follow the strict guidance to self-isolate.
Those returning on the Airbridge must self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival.
That means staying AT HOME as stated in the guidance.
It is vital you follow the guidelines given to you when you arrive.
It's essential for our community that you do this and we thank those who are self-isolating.
Please also note that any household where an arriving person or persons is staying must ensure that the new arrival self-isolates for 14 days. If the new arrival is not able to isolate from other members of the household, the whole household MUST self-isolate for 14 days.
For further guidance on how to self-isolate, go to the 'Information You Can Use' section of the fig.gov.fk/covid-19 web page and see the self-isolation advice sheet. I
The Education Department has been liaising closely with parents of returning students around the self-isolation requirements and will continuing contact with families should they have issues, such as accommodation, that need support. The Department can be reached on 27289.
- 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 fig.gov.fk/covid-19 and other channels.
Port contract signed:
The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announce that it has completed and signed a contract with BAM Nuttall for the design and build of a new port in Stanley Harbour.
It follows the announcement in February 2020 that BAM Nuttall had been selected as development partner after an extensive global procurement process.
Development and Commercial Services portfolio holder, MLA Dr Barry Elsby, welcomed the contract signing.
“Whilst COVID-19 may be dominating our thoughts at this time, we will be ready to start work with BAM Nuttall on the first steps towards delivering this vital national infrastructure once the restrictions related to CÖVID-19 are lifted. The absolute need for a new port to support our fishing and other industries remains.”
Due to the current circumstances, stakeholder engagement with key industry sectors will not begin immediately. The situation will be kept under review, with a view to starting as soon as practicable.
Martin Bellamy, BAM Nuttall’s Managing Director, said: "BAM is proud to be working with the Falkland Islands Government to develop a new port that will support the local economy and facilitate for future forecasted economic growth. We look forward to initially engaging with the key stakeholders and working with Falkland Islanders to develop such a critical piece of infrastructure.”
The new facility will be in the vicinity of the current port in Stanley Harbour, offering new facilities that will benefit key users in the fishing, tourism and shipping sectors, as well as many other parts of the economy.
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.
HEALTH
KEMH has put into effect its well-developed plans for handling COVID-19 cases.
Patients requiring emergency treatment of any sort including respiratory, and cold like symptoms are asked to contact the hospital on 28000 and discuss their condition with a member of the clinical staff who will then advise.
If you have been asked by the Hospital to self-isolate because you have cold/flu symptoms AND you have developed a fever (a high temperature), your whole household – all those living with you, must self-isolate for 14 days
Those in the community identified as vulnerable by KEMH staff have since Wednesday, 25 March, been advised to be in isolation for up to 12 weeks.
Routine GP and Dental appointments have been suspended. Those affected will be contacted by KEMH.
The Pharmacy is able to take prescription requests. But please do NOT come to the Pharmacy solely for the purpose of ordering a prescription, nor if you have COVID-19 like symptoms. Please either e-mail
AIRBRIDGE
The FIGO office in London advise that until further notice, there will be a new fortnightly rotation for civilian passenger Southbound flights.
The rotation pattern is as follows:
SAA1:Southbound civilian (April 3, completed)
SAA2: Freight (7 April)
SAA3: BFSAI passengers (10 April)
SAA4: Freight (14 April)
Therefore, the next Southbound civilian passenger flight will be 17 April. Northbound civilian passengers can be booked on each Northbound flight as normal, but please note that numbers will be restricted and journeys should only be made if they are essential.
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 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.
EDUCATION CHILDCARE
The Education Department is providing childcare for the children of essential key workers to enable them to go to work. Parents in this category have been contacted directly.
If you think you have been missed, please call 27294. If you have not been contacted, please do not try to bring your child to school.
Schools and playgrounds remain closed.
HOW TO ACCESS EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE SUPPORT PACKAGE
Applications can now be made for the Falkland Islands Government’s support package that was announced on 25 March 2020 for private sector employers with employees, as well as the self-employed who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government is doing this to reinforce and support the strong public health action which the Falkland Islands Government is taking to protect the population and minimise the social and economic impact of this challenging issue.
How to apply --
Application forms along with other guidance are available through:
Falkland Islands Government -
Falkland Islands Development Corporation
www.fidc.co.fk/library/covid-19
If you need assistance filling out the forms, contact Sian Davies, Business Development Officer, at FIDC telephone 51211.
VOLUNTEERING
The Falkland Islands Government are looking for members of the public to join the Community Volunteers to help those who are currently self-isolating. Vicky Collier is the Volunteer Coordinator.
Community Volunteers will assist in a range of duties:
- Delivering goods
- Running errands for those in isolation (shopping, banking, post etc.)
- Schedule and make telephone calls
- Schedule and make video calls
- To run a puzzle swap/bank
- To run a board games swap/bank
- To give free advice on technology over the phone
If you are interested in being a volunteer, email
- Contact details
- What would you like to volunteer for
- Any particular skills you can offer
- If you are happy for your contact details to be shared
If you are in self-isolation or know someone who is that may need support contact Vicky on
FIGO SERVICES
While the Falkland Islands Government Office in London is closed all staff are working from home 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:
For Airbridge – Please contact our Travel Co-Ordinator Teryn Joshua on either 07984 096 726 or
For Medical – Please contact our Medical Co-Ordinator Gemma Clayphan on either 07903 379 006 or
For 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) or
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Executive Council is meeting regularly to consider response and make other policy related to the COVID-19 response. MLAs are also meeting regularly to consider COVID19 related matters.
Regular portfolio and other meetings are postponed until mid-April 2020.
HELP US FIGHT COVID-19
What to do if you feel unwell and are worried you might have COVID-19.
If you have flu-like symptoms, phone the Hospital on 28000. Staff will provide advice. DO NOT come to KEMH directly.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- aches and pains in muscles and joints
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Please remember the importance of good public health hygiene measures:
- 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.