30 April 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
A further batch of 16 swabs have been despatched to the UK for testing. The most recent results, for 19 swabs, were all negative for COVID-19. 372 samples have so far been tested in the UK and there have been 13 COVID-19 positive results in total. All the individuals with positive results have now either completed isolation or treatment.
ADVICE ON WIDER RESTRICTIONS
A statement on the status of the current restrictions will be made tomorrow by the Chief Executive, Barry Rowland.
LOLIGO SEASON ENDS
The first loligo season has come to a close as of 28 April, and today a number of vessels have arrived in Stanley Harbour and Port William.
There have been 16 marine mammal observers and one scientific observer deployed across the fleet this season and all will be disembarking over the next few days, with most departing by Airbridge.
The vessels have been at sea for well over the 14-day quarantine period for COVID-19.
Normally the operators would fly their crews to their home countries via LATAM flights through South America, but these remain suspended at this point.
As the Falkland Islands will be opening the second loligo season at the end of July most vessel operators have made the decision to keep their crews aboard and safe.
They will sail north to Vigo in Spain in the coming days, while some will remain to utilize finfish quota then follow north.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
As previously reported, UK Border Force advised the Ministry of Defence last year that all minors aged under 18 should be escorted on MOD flights. Formerly those aged 16-17 years old were permitted to travel on MOD flights unescorted with parental permission.
The MOD has been working across UK Government departments to ascertain the best resolution.
Noting the practical issues of putting into place commercial arrangements for ground handling contracts at this time the MOD Permanent Secretary has agreed to extend the interim solution to waive the requirement for 16-17 year olds to travel escorted on MOD flights.
The waiver has now been extended for a further 9 months to the 3 February 2021.
The parental permission form will still need to be completed and individuals travelling under this waiver must carry a copy of the completed documentation with them. Border Force has stipulated that they reserve the right to call parents of minors, should there be any concerns over the paperwork provided.
The extension will allow MOD to work through the remaining legal considerations and agree the longer-term policy position.
COMMEMORATIONS BEGIN
As every Islander knows, we are now approaching the time of year when we will be commemorating many significant anniversaries from 1982.
The first of these will take place at 2pm on Sunday 3 May, when a short memorial service will be held at Goose Green to mark the death of Lieutenant Nick Taylor.
Lt Taylor, of 800 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Hermes, died on 4 May, 1982 when his aircraft was shot down over Goose Green.
Every year residents, many of whom were incarcerated at the settlement hall during the war, gather to pay their respects and participate in the time-honoured Act of Remembrance.
This year, due to the COVID-19 situation, the commemoration will follow a different format.
Members of the public are asked to respect the settlement’s self-isolation policy and not attend.
His Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Mark Pollard will lay wreaths, along with a representative from the Goose Green community. The Reverend Ian Faulds will preside over a short graveside service.
The event will be broadcast by Falklands Radio and FITV and we would welcome the community’s remote participation. You may simply wish to tune in, or share your thoughts and pay your respects on social media.
Plans for all other commemorations have been underway for several weeks and are progressing.
We will keep share these once they are finalised.
It is anticipated that we are unlikely to be able to give thanks in the usual way, but these anniversaries are vitally important to our community and we will continue to honour those lives lost and the sacrifices made for the freedom of our Islands.
CAPTAIN TOM
The Falkland Islands has joined in paying tribute to the remarkable Captain Tom Moore, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
Captain Tom, now made an honorary colonel, has raised millions of pounds for the NHS by walking laps of his back garden.
MLA Stacy Bragger on behalf of the Legislative Assembly has sent the following message to Captain Moore today:
Dear Captain Moore,
On behalf of the people of the Falkland Islands I write to wish you a very happy 100th birthday.
We may be 8,000 miles away from you in the South Atlantic but we too have been amazed by your incredible fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together. To raise nearly £30m for those fighting to save lives from COVID-19 is a monumental achievement.
The Falkland Islands are a proud part of the UK family and as a community we are so thankful to all those in the UK Armed Forces past and present, such as yourself, who have enabled us to live in freedom.
During these difficult times for so many, we thank you for inspiring us and for demonstrating the highest levels of determination and selflessness that we must all aspire to.
We wish you a very happy birthday and hope that you enjoy your extremely special day.
You’ll never walk alone!
POWER PRICE DROP
A decrease in electricity prices will come into effect on from tomorrow, 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.
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 TOMORROW, 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
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.
ADVISORIES
Updated guides to business and FIG services, with opening hours and contact details are available at fig.gov.fk/covid-19.
They are based on publically available information but may always be subject to change.
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 the COVID-19 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:
The symptoms are:
- a new or worsening cough
- a high temperature (at least 38°C)
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of taste smell.
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.
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