27 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
A further 19 test swabs are on their way to the UK on the Airbridge today as part of the KEMH’s regular monitoring for COVID-19. Processing typically takes up to 36 hours. 353 samples have now been tested in the UK and there have been 13 COVID-19 positive results in total. Two of those 13 remain in isolation at Mount Pleasant Complex, while the remainder of the individuals have either completed 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.
A MESSAGE FROM PRIMARY CARE
A reminder that KEMH’s Primary Care Service is still open and wants to keep in touch with your important health concerns, despite the changes brought about by the response to COVID-19.
Patients who need regular monitoring are being contacted.
However, please let the hospital 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 staff need to see you in person they 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.
EDUCATION
This week the government is reviewing the current advice on the closure of schools and nurseries. We announced on 26 March that schools would remain closed until at least the 4 May. In order to allow further consideration and provide time for associated planning, parents are advised at this stage that schools and nurseries will not reopen before the 11 May. Information in relation to schools will be provided later this week following further discussions with Members of the Legislative Assembly and consideration by Executive Council.
ADVICE ON WIDER RESTRICTIONS
Advice on wider restriction measures is also being currently reviewed. Any changes to the current arrangements will be announced later this week.
FALKLANDS GATEWAY
Andrew Newman of Argos Froyanes Limited says they are currently preparing for the South Georgia Toothfish season and are delighted to be able to continue to use Stanley harbour as a logistical base.
The Nordic Prince has been in the harbour since 15 March and has been effectively quarantined since last November when the crew joined the vessel. She has had no suspected COVID-19 cases and the crew have been isolating aboard the vessel.
The Argos Georgia and the Argos Froyanes have also arrived. Both vessels are from New Zealand; their crews have been isolated on board for over a month with daily health monitoring that has not shown any suspected cases. These vessels were carrying some cargo for local suppliers and the Falkland Islands Government, which was coordinated through Government House and the Chamber of Commerce.
Argos Foyanes Limited have also chartered a vessel, Proa Pioneer, to bring additional crew and provisions from Montevideo and which has now reached the Falklands. They too have all been quarantined for a minimum of two weeks with daily health monitoring before arriving . No crew will be routinely coming ashore whilst in Stanley.
Andrew Newman said they have received amazing support from agents Sulivan Shipping as well as FIG Customs, Atlink and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in these difficult times.
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.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
We can’t say it enough – social distancing is a really tangible way that you can safeguard yourself and the community from COVID-19. It means less contact between you and other people. The more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.
At least two metres separation is the rule of thumb.
If you have questions, go to the www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19 web page and download the 20 March factsheet called What Is Social Distancing and Why Is It Important.
VOLUNTEERS UPDATE
The Community Volunteers led by Vicky Collier are busy raising spirits across the Islands with activities and support during this time.
A ‘Big Sleep In’ on Saturday night had 119 registered participants - the youngest being 6 months old! There were participants from Stanley, MPC, Goose Green, North Arm, Hill Cove, Albemarle Station, Port Howard , Fox Bay, and even one from the UK. They will all receive a certificate for taking part.
This week is ‘Rainbow Week’, encouraging households and businesses to make their properties as bright as possible, with window displays, fairy lights or any creative ways that they can think of. Included in this is a fancy dress day on Wednesday, encouraging anyone and everyone to dress up in their best and brightest clothing.
The Group also has a series of mental health support booklets for young children, older children/teenagers and adults. They can be sent in electronic format, or posted, and there are also copies currently in the Post Office and KEMH reception. All requests are dealt with in the strictest confidence.
And if you just need a chat, then why not try Teaberry Talks. You can register to have a person ring you for a regular talk on the phone.
For further details on any of these, or to volunteer, contact
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 - 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.
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.