22 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
As part of our regular updates we are keeping people informed of test results as they are returned to us from the United Kingdom. KEMH would however like to remind people who have been swabbed that they need to wait to hear directly from the hospital concerning their personal test results. Staff are phoning anyone affected within a day of receiving results, and there's no need to contact the hospital.
If you are waiting for the result of a swab, you must continue to follow advice issued to you by the hospital until KEMH get in touch with you.
337 samples have now been tested in the UK, with 12 COVID-19 positive results in the Falkland Islands to date. 11 of the 12 individuals have now completed self-isolation or treatment.
Remember: If you feel unwell with flu-like symptoms and are worried you might have COVID-19. phone the Hospital on 28000. Staff will provide advice. DO NOT come to KEMH
QUICKER TESTING
The prospect of much faster testing of Falkland Island swabs for potential COVID-19 is closer, with the expected arrival of an analyser machine.
The machine will mean tests can be done without swabs having to be sent to the UK.
The analyser and related equipment is scheduled to arrive by the end of the week.
There will then be a number of days of introduction, machine calibration and training at KEMH. That will be followed by trial tests to ensure accuracy, before swabs can begin to be processed locally.
We will update on progress next week.
SUPPORT FOR WOOL INDUSTRY
The emergence of COVID -19 and its spread has placed enormous pressure on the global wool selling system.
Markets in several key wool producing countries are now closed
In combination with a number of other factors, wool prices are now some 40 to 50 per cent below prices achieved a year ago, and sales of the Falkland wool clip has reduced to zero in the last 2 to 4 weeks. Currently 71% of the Falkland Island wool clip is unsold (around 5,860 bales).
As one of a number of industry focused economic measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Council has today agreed to support Falkland Island Wool Producers.
It has authorised the Department of Natural Resources to develop a programme to purchase their unsold wool.
This will be a one-time offer with price set as at March 2020.
The Department expects to have a detailed programme launched before the end of May.
BUILDING SECTOR RESUMES
Work in the building sector has been able to resume today. Executive Council agreed to the move on Friday, contingent on latest test results received yesterday from the UK. FIG Chief Executive Barry Rowland said the sector reopening requires strict observation of the Government guidance issued on Monday on how to safely operate in a COVID-19 environment, including maintaining social distancing.
The change will be subject to daily review, based on test results and other circumstances. Mr Rowland said if the guidance was not followed, the restrictions could be reinstated.
ADVICE NOT FOLLOWED
FIG have consistently advised and reminded the public that we are working jointly to minimise non-essential movement and contact between MPC and Stanley to help reduce risk of COVID-19. Unfortunately, this advice wasn’t heeded and a Stanley resident engaged in contact with an individual from MPC. This is against FIG public health advice, and it also encouraged someone to breech the MPC rules and requirements for contractors.
This is a flagrant disregard of the advice, yesterday the resident was requested to self-isolate for 14 days.
FIG have asked for the community to support the joint efforts already in place and this is a reminder for people to follow the advice for the benefit of everyone. The contractor’s employment has been terminated and is currently placed in quarantine.
YOUR WELLBEING
It is understandable if you are worried about your safety and that of your loved ones at this time of COVID-19. Feeling worried does not necessarily mean that you have a mental health problem. However there are people ready to listen to your concerns and provide support.
This starts with a 7-day service for your emotional wellbeing provided by the KEMH CPN team. Please contact KEMH on 28082.
There are also many useful ways you can reduce the unease and anxiety you might be feeling. These include:
- Avoiding too much exposure to news and social media
- Limit the time you spend talking about the coronavirus
- If you have children, let them talk about their worries but reassure them that it’s going to be okay.
- Check on your friends and neighbours (especially more vulnerable people) and offer to help out where you can.
- Look after yourself! Do things that make you feel relaxed and safe.
- Stay in touch with friends and family.
There are also other contacts you may find helpful:
The UK-based charity Samaritans : 51515 or email
NSPCC: 28888
Citizens Advice Bureau: 55355
The NHS website Every Mind Matters has plenty of resources and tips to help you.
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. You can also call the Early Help Service for advice or support on 52281 or
Their email is
QUARRY REOPENS
The Materials Section of the Public Works Department would like to inform the public that tomorrow, 23 April, the quarry will re-open for the collection of materials.
In line with the current social distancing measures there will now be a system in place when purchasing aggregate:
- All orders must be placed at least one working day before customers want to collect
- On placing an order customers will be given clear collection instructions
- Customers collecting aggregate will not be permitted to exit their vehicle and all weighbridge tickets will be posted or emailed to the customer
- If there are a lot of customers requiring aggregates at once you will be allocated a collection slot on confirmation of your order
Orders cannot be made in person at the quarry. DO NOT go to the quarry without a confirmed pre-order as you will not be permitted to be loaded.
For further information or to place an order, please contact the Quarry Manager, Marc Short on
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.