14 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update PM
KEMH UPDATE
Processing of a large batch of test results sent to the UK has been completed overnight, with six further positive cases of COVID-19 identified. The individuals are located at the Mount Pleasant Complex.
We have now received a total of 11 positive COVID-19 results. These individuals are being isolated at MPC in line with their normal public health measures. One of the positive individuals continues to receive care at KEMH while a second positive patient was discharged from the hospital last week. 118 swabs were sent on the South Atlantic Airbridge at the weekend, for processing at a specialist laboratory. In total, 255 samples have been processed to date in the UK.
AN UPDATE ON SUPPLIES
A regular assessment of supplies in, and on the way to the islands is being carried out by the Falkland Islands Government. Overall the supply position appears good with no major pressures.
All domestic fuel products are in good supply and no problems are foreseen.
Supermarkets and stores did initially report some unusual buying activity as customers stocked up, with milk being an example where stock was in shorter supply than normal, but new deliveries have arrived in the past week.
Full stock orders are already en route for future shipping deliveries to the supermarkets, and there are only occasional issues with some items also being in heavy demand in the UK.
A key message remains that there is no need for people to alter their shopping patterns.
Stores remain open for shopping, but please respect any social distancing rules they have in place, and send only one person to do the shopping.
If you are utilising home delivery, please send in fewer but bigger shopping orders to help the stores to meet demand.
FIG will continue to work closely with our businesses to monitor the situation.
SUPPORT SCHEME EXTENDED
On April 2 the government launched the Private Sector and Self-Employment Support Scheme, in part, as a response to the Public Update that we provided on March 26 in which we advised all non-essential workers to stay home effective March 27. We realise that the 14 day period of payroll support for non-essential workers, who cannot work from home, as allowed for in the Support Scheme effectively expired at midnight April 10.
From 10 April, this date has now been extended for a further period of 14 days until April 24 for non-essential workers who as a result of government advice are required to stay home and who cannot work from home. All other conditions of the Support Scheme remain the same.
A wider package of measures to support individuals and business is also under consideration by the Government and will be considered by ExCo this week.
The Falkland Islands Government is constantly evaluating the level of its COVID-19 response and will advise the public if there is to be a change in present restrictions.
Details of who is covered, and how to apply, under the Support Scheme can be found on the www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19-temp/information/support-package-applications web page.
COVID-19: EXEMPTION FOR HEALTH SERVICE CHARGING
Yesterday ExCo today agreed to exempt diagnosis and treatment for suspected or confirmed Covid‐19 from the existing charging regime ensuring that there is a public health benefit for all persons present in the Falkland Islands to have confidence to access appropriate health advice and treatment in relation to Covid‐19.
For further information please refer to ExCo Paper 54/20 Covid-19: Exemption for Health Service Charging
RECENT TRAVEL BETWEEN STANLEY AND MPC
KEMH would like to invite civilians who reside in Stanley and have had cause to travel between Stanley and Mount Pleasant Complex within the last 14 days, to call the hospital to arrange for a surveillance COVID-19 swab to be taken.
Please call the KEMH reception on 28000 to make an appointment for your swab to be taken.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PROCESS INTRODUCED
BFSAI have stringent restrictions in place and are working hard to reduce movement from MPC to Stanley; this is in order to limit travel to that which is essential only. FIG has explored options including the introduction of a process so that essential travel is specifically authorised, this will support efforts already in place by BFSAI.
From today we have introduced a registration scheme under which all journeys will need to be approved. The scheme is intended to reduce travel between the two population centres and thereby minimise the risk of COVID19 across the Falklands. Monitoring will continue over the coming days and weeks. Please only travel between the two locations if absolutely necessary; we ask the public for their support in this. Anyone travelling from MPC must have written authorisation with them. People travelling in from Camp may get stopped, in which case they will be offered advice on social distancing.
Persons who use the MPA road for reasons, such as travel to and around Camp, do not need to register.
In relation to the registration process itself enquiries should be addressed to your employer in the first instance or
You can also access the form on the www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19-temp/information/essential-travel web page
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Please remember that people should only be in the company of people from their own household. Anything else is not appropriate.
Social distancing is very tangible and effective way to protect all our community from COVID-19. If you play your part, you protect yourself, and everyone else.
ELECTORAL FORM
The Registration Officer would like to remind the public that the final date to return the Electoral Form V (Request for Information from Householder), is Wednesday 15 April 2020.
Failure to return the form may result in your name being removed from the Register of Electors.
In line with the current social distancing measures if you are unable to complete and return your form please contact the Registration Officer on 27271 or email
WHERE TO FIND HELP
There are many sources of help, support or advice that you can reach out to during these uncertain times.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding financial matters, welfare or safeguarding concerns for yourself, your family or someone you know, please contact Social Services on 27296.
They operate a 24 hour service and an after-office hours you can call on 28100.
Issues can also be raised by contacting KEMH and its CPN Service (see below under YOUR WELLBEING).
You can also call the Early Help Service for advice or support on 52281 or
Alternatively, you can also contact the Community Volunteers for additional support and a listening ear at
YOUR WELLBEING:
It is understandable if you are worried about your safety and that of your loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural that we want to know exactly what is going on, but the current level of uncertainty and lack of control can make us feel unsafe and anxious. Local support is available as a 7-day service from the emotional wellbeing team at KEMH on 28082.
You may also find the following contacts helpful:
Samaritans (UK based charity): 51515 or email
NSPCC: 28888
Citizens Advice Bureau: 55355
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.