24 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
The latest test results received by KEMH from the UK show one positive results for COVID-19 out of 16 swabs tested. This now brings our total to 13 positive cases. The positive was for an individual at Mount Pleasant Complex, who is in isolation as part of the on-going MPC arrangements for dealing with cases. 353 samples have now been tested in the UK. 11 out of 12 individuals who have earlier tested positive for COVID-19 in the Falkland Islands have now completed self-isolation or treatment while another individual remains in self-isolation.
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. 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.
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.
A MESSAGE FROM PRIMARY CARE
The KEMH would like to thank all patients for adapting to the changes we have had to make at the hospital; we understand how difficult this uncertain time is and we are grateful to you all for working with us. The Primary Care service is still open and we want to keep in touch with you and your important health concerns. Patients who need regular monitoring are being contacted. However, even in this pandemic, we need you to stay in touch about your health. Please let us know if you have any new lumps or bumps, moles changing shape, palpitations, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, suspicious weight loss or any other symptoms you are concerned about.
If you have such a concern, please call the hospital on 28000 between 8am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday and request a telephone appointment with a GP or Nurse Practitioner.
If we then need to see you in person we will let you know and you will be given a face to face appointment, regardless of whether you live in Stanley or Camp. Please do not ignore important health concerns.
The availability of appointments will, of course, very much depend on how the current situation develops so we ask that you bear with us. Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
OXYGEN SUPPLY
The UK Armed Forces have introduced an oxygen generation plant to increase the supply of oxygen to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, and supplement the existing oxygen concentrator plant. A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster delivered the equipment to British Forces South Atlantic Islands as part of the UK Government’s support to the Overseas Territories during the Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to the work of Armed Forces personnel and Ministry of Defence civilians and contractors, in conjunction with the Hospital’s engineering department, KEMH will now have even more capacity to treat patients with breathing difficulties.
The C-17 was deployed from 99 Squadron, Royal Air Force based at RAF Brize Norton. A team from 5001 Sqn RAF Wittering will shortly deploy to assist in the installation and maintenance of the oxygen generation plant.
PASSPORTS RENEWAL
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak causing problems in UK and to the DHL courier service, obtaining a new British passport from the Falkland Islands will take longer than usual. If your passport is due to expire in the next six months or was issued before 31 October 2010 it is important that you apply for a new passport as early as possible. The date of issue is important as some documents were issued for periods of more than 10 years and we are advised that any validity beyond 10 years from the date of issue may not be acceptable for travel in countries other than the UK.
If you have any queries or need to renew your passport please contact the Customs and Immigration Service on 27340 or email
Please do not attempt to renew your passport using the online system available for British citizens resident overseas as you will have to send all of your original documents, including your current passport, by post to the United Kingdom.
YOUR WELLBEING
It’s very understandable if you are feeling anxious and stressed about COVID-19.
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.
ANZAC
This Saturday is ANZAC Day. Every year we commemorate ANZAC day to remember the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps which served during the First World War, and the fallen in other conflicts since. This day is the anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli in 1915.
We have a kinship with Australia and New Zealand, with a shared community spirit and culture. We embrace those who have chosen to live with us in the Falkland Islands, as those Falkland Islanders who have moved to Australia and New Zealand have been welcomed there.
Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 we are unable to hold the traditional gatherings of memorial associated with ANZAC Day this year. However we hope that all those in the Falklands can watch this year’s small ANZAC Day Memorial on FITV, and hold their own moments of remembrance at home (The Memorial will be held at 07.15.)
ANZAC day is a time to remember with affection the courage of people and the value of friendship - to honour those that have sacrificed their lives and to acknowledge those who suffer from the effects of war. We do not celebrate victory or glorify war - we celebrate the human spirit - the spirit of ANZAC.
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.
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 - http://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.