01 May 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH
The latest test results received by KEMH are all negative for COVID-19. The batch of 16 swabs were processed in the UK as part of the hospital's regular monitoring for the virus. 388 samples have so far been tested in the UK and there have been 13 COVID-19 positive results in total.
If you have had a swab taken from KEMH recently, its important 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.
ADVICE ON WIDER RESTRICTIONS
After this update we will be hearing from the Chief Executive Barry Rowland on the next steps in the Government’s response to COVID-19.
COMMEMORATIONS BEGIN
The first commemoration of significant anniversaries from 1982 is this Sunday, 3 May.
At 2pm 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. 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,
Plans for all other commemorations have been underway for several weeks and are progressing.
POWER PRICE DROP
A decrease in electricity prices comes into effect today, 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, with pre-pay cards appropriately reduced in price.
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.
AIRBRIDGE
With a southbound Airbridge arriving today, we are emphasising to ALL those coming off the flight that it is vitally important that you and your relatives or family understand and follow guidance on self isolation that specifically applies to you.
Under guidance released April 7 by the Government, new arrivals are in a category called Quarantine.
You must self-isolate for 14 days just in case you have COVID-19 and don’t realise it. Some people who have COVID-19 don’t feel ill but we don’t want to take the risk that you could infect others around you.
So you are self-isolating for the protection of others.
In practical terms this means that you should not be leaving your house for any reason You should be asking other people to do your shopping etc and leaving this on the porch for you.
If you live with other people then you need to be able to live separately from the others in the same house. This means:
- Being able to have a separate bedroom and bathroom
- Always being able to be 2 metres apart from other people if you are in the same room
- Cleaning all surfaces after you have touched them
If you can’t do this then you either need to quarantine yourself somewhere else or the entire household must quarantine together. If you want more help with this please contact KEMH on 28000.’
CHILD PROTECTION CALL-IN
The RFIP wishes to inform people that Detective Constable Helen Taylor is available to take phone calls this weekend if anyone in the community has questions or concerns over child protection issues at this current time, especially in relation to online sites.
DC Taylor will take calls between 5pm and 7pm on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May.
Her number is 28121 or people can e-mail
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.
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.
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:
- 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.