23 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
If you had a swab taken from KEMH recently, it’s important to note that you need to wait to hear directly from the hospital as to your test result. Swabs are being sent to the UK regularly on the South Atlantic Airbridge and are typically processed within 36 hours of arrival. Staff are phoning anyone affected within a day of receiving back 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
NEW LEGAL PROVISIONS
Yesterday, Executive Council considered two reports regarding further legislative proposals responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Executive Council considered the provisions put in place in the UK, including the Coronavirus Act 2020, and other laws.
It agreed that specific provision should be made in the Falkland Islands in the following areas:
- Health service indemnification – providing a safety net in relation to any claims made against healthcare workers as a result of COVID-19.
- Courts and Tribunals – to bolster provision for use of video and audio technology in respect of court and tribunal hearings.
This will be done by way of a Bill to be presented to the Legislative Assembly.
Executive Council also agreed that provision should be made in relation to restrictions on movement, events, gatherings and premises.
A detailed report was presented to Executive Council accompanied by the draft Infectious Diseases Control (Coronavirus) (No 2) Regulations 2020. The draft regulations were approved by Executive Council and will be made shortly.
The regulations provide for the move, when necessary, to formal restrictions being imposed – along similar lines to the UK lock-down. So, people could be directed to stay at home, and businesses could be directed to close.
The regulations can be applied to all of the Falkland Islands or to specific parts of the Islands, as necessary.
Clear communication of the restrictions will be required before any are brought into effect. Guidance will be published summarising the regulations.
Authorities will seek to engage with the community, explain requirements, and encourage compliance, before other forms of enforcement.
The regulations introduce a significant restriction on the rights and freedoms provided by the Constitution.
This is considered to be a necessary and proportionate approach in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Safeguards in the regulations will require regular review of any restrictions, and the regulations will only remain in force for 12 months.
LATAM FLIGHTS UPDATE
LATAM has confirmed that the Saturday schedule Mount Pleasant-Punta Arenas-Santiago air service will not be operating during May.
The airline however hopes it may resume in early June.
As previously announced it has been agreed between the Falkland Islands Government and LATAM to continue the suspension of the Sao Paulo Wednesday schedule until 14 May.
We will provide further updates on the Chile and Brazil connections when further information becomes available. FIG is reviewing every two weeks with LATAM and monitoring long-haul flight operations.
EVERYONE HAS A PART TO PLAY
Yesterday we highlighted an incident where a Stanley resident and a contractor failed to follow FIG public health advice.
We did so to remind everyone that the collective effort, of every person on the island, is needed.
Recent social media comments have unfairly singled out different sections of the community, but we would like to make it clear that the contractor concerned is a permanent resident of the Falkland Islands. This information is being shared as it is important for our community to understand that everyone has a part to play.
The swift introduction of stringent measures by BFSAI and our local population continuing to behave appropriately is critical to the continued success of these measures.
We would like to thank everyone who is thinking twice before making journeys to MPC as well as those whose journeys are essential and who are actively supporting the Approved Travel procedure; these joint efforts have undoubtedly made a difference.
YOUR WELLBEING
We know that COVID-19 is putting a strain on us all, and its understandable if you are anxious.
There are things you can do however to ease some of the stress.
These include:
- Avoiding too much exposure to news and social media
- Limitingthe time you spend talking about the coronavirus
- If you have children, lettingthem talk about their worries but reassure them that it’s going to be okay.
- Checking on your friends and neighbours (especially more vulnerable people) and offer to help out where you can.
- Looking after yourself! Do things that make you feel relaxed and safe.
- Staying in touch with friends and family.
If you do feel you need to reach out for help in the Falklands, there are people ready to listen to your concerns and provide support. Feeling worried does not necessarily mean that you have a mental health problem.
There is a 7-day service for your emotional wellbeing provided by the KEMH CPN team. Please contact KEMH on 28082.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The emergency childcare remains open during the school holidays. Schools and playgrounds remain closed. For queries, please call 27294.
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. As of April 22, the building sector has also been permitted to resume operation, subject to it following guidance on operating safely in a COVID-19 environment.
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.
HOW TO ACCESS EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE SUPPORT PACKAGE
The Falkland Islands Government’s support package announced on 25 March 2020 is 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 - www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19
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.
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 07399 163140 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.
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.