29 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
The latest test results received by KEMH are all negative for COVID-19. The batch of 19 swabs were processed in the UK as part of the hospital's regular monitoring for the virus. 372 samples have so far 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.
It is very important that if you had a swab taken from KEMH recently that you 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.
POWER PRICE DROP
A decrease in electricity prices will come into effect on from this Friday 1 May 2020.
The move is part of the government’s comprehensive suite of measures to assist businesses, private sector employees and households during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The overall price of electricity per unit for all consumers will be decreased from 23p to 18p for a period of three months.
For consumers supplied via pre-payment meters, electricity will be supplied at 18p per unit and cards will be sold at:
£5.00 card £4.74;
£10.00 card £9.48;
£20.00 card £18.96;
£50.00 card £47.40.
For all other consumers, electricity will be supplied at 18p per unit.
To comply with the social distancing guidelines, where possible, all meter readings will be self-read.
Meter reading can be emailed to
Those readings not received by this date will be estimated by calculating the quarterly average and an invoice issued.
There are a number of meters that will need to be read and PWD meter reading contractor will contact individuals prior to reading to agree a suitable and safe time and method to read the meter.
Please only email or phone in readings; DO NOT bring your readings to PWD offices.
ADVICE ON WIDER RESTRICTIONS
A full statement on the status of the current restrictions will be made on Friday by the Chief Executive, Barry Rowland.
OUTBOUND AIRBRIDGE
With regards to the next northbound flight accepting civilian passengers departing Mount Pleasant on Sunday 3 May 2020, please be aware that the deadline for any additional passengers, amendments, or cancellations is Friday 1 May at 8am (Falklands’ time).
Any changes made to bookings after this date cannot be guaranteed.
In the current circumstances this deadline is important as FIGO, FIC travel, and the MoD are working around the clock to make sure all essential travellers are able to board the Airbridge, any last-minute amendment/cancellations creates considerable logistical challenges that require extra hours of work to adjust travel plans.
In addition, in the current climate when travel is restricted worldwide, please make sure you do extensive research regarding immigration policies and your onward travel plans when reaching the UK, such as trains, hire cars, and connecting flights.
The check-in and departure times will be confirmed for this northbound flight in due course.
The FIGO Travel Co-ordinator is Teryn Joshua who can be contacted with
LICENSING BUREAU
The Royal Falkland Islands Police would like to remind the public that there is a change in the way the Licensing Bureau operates. There will no longer be a face-to-face service. However, a drop-off service will be in place and this is to ensure that this resource can remain running.
Members of the public are asked to:
- Provide all documents relevant to the service you require. For example, current Vehicle Insurance policy, or completed form/s
- A note clearly stating what service you require. For example, 12 months vehicle tax
- Payment for the service, this should be posted to RFIP or dropped-off into the drop box (envelopes provided) located at the window of the Licensing Bureau in the Police Station
Please do not make payments directly to the bank without first liaising with the Licensing Clerk
SCB Cheques are to be paid to: FI Government
SCB Transfer Slips are to be paid to: Falkland Islands Government
Account no: 002 – 003 – 344 – 000
Anyone wishing to pay by cash should contact the Licensing Bureau on 28100.
Information on forms and fees can be found on www.police.gov.fk/licensing-2 call 28100 or email
All documents received will be processed as soon as is possible and will be returned to customers via Post Office. Additionally, should you wish to informed when your documents have been processed please ensure to leave a contact number on your note.
The Royal Falkland Islands Police wish to thank the public for their cooperation during this time, and apologise for any inconvenience experienced.
YOUR WELLBEING
If you are feeling anxious and stressed about COVID-19, 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.
The Community Volunteers led by Vicky Collier are another source of support. Contact
Finally, 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 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.