04 May 2020
COVID-19 PublicUpdate
KEMH Update
The hospital has today begun contacting those it assessed as being at a higher risk from COVID-19. This vulnerable group was advised to isolate for 12 weeks, from 26 March. The Government on Friday signalled an easing will be made on some restrictions, and as part of this, some in the vulnerable group may be able to do more, safely.
KEMH will however start by contacting those people first who will still be advised to stay inside. Then the rest of the vulnerable group will be contacted, with guidance on what is reasonable for them to do.
The hospital is asking people in the vulnerable group to wait to be contacted, and to not phone KEMH to inquire.
Meanwhile 7 swabs are en-route to the UK for testing. There have been 13 positive COVID-19 results in the Falklands but all those affected have recovered or ended their isolation period.
388 tests have so far being carried out in the UK but it's hoped by the end of this week that KEMH will be in a position to begin processing swabs on the island.
The hospital is this week testing, calibrating and doing training on the new analyser that will enable on-island testing.
A RECAP ON CHANGES
Here’s a recap of the details of the easing of restrictions announced by the Government on Friday.
- Schools and nurseries will re-open their doors on 11 May
- Businesses and FIG will begin to restart non-essential work also on 11 May, and guidance is being finalised to help them do this safely
- Restrictions around social and physical activities will begin to be relaxed from Wednesday 6 May and FIG’s Socially Connected, Physically Protected guidance is being published
- People in the high-risk group will receive new guidance from the Chief Medical Officer.
MORE ON SCHOOLS
The Education Department will soon be providing guidance to parents and the childcare providers about the planned re-opening of the schools on Monday 11 May.
The information will cover subjects such as:
- Managing cleaning and hygiene
- Managing students, people and spaces in school buildings
- Entrance and exit arrangements for each school
- Management of Attendance
- Food and eating
Our Year 11 cohort will be authorised as absent from school, with the exception of the completion of a transition programme in due course.
Emergency childcare will continue to be provided by the Education Department up to end of Thursday 7 May 2020, to allow a day for planning and preparation for school re-opening on Monday 11 May.
We ask that parents:
- Talk to their children about coronavirus (COVID-19), social distancing and handwashing
- Follow guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
- Do not gather closely together at school entrances or in playgrounds, and model social distancing so that their children see good practice
If members of the public have any questions, please call the Department on 27289.
And Acting Head Teacher Karen Steen is joining us after this update to talk some more about preparations for schools.
OUR SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDANCE
As part of the moves announced on Friday, we will be introducing new guidance around social distancing that will allow some easing of restrictions around social and physical activities.
The Government is adapting a concept that has been used successfully in New Zealand.
The main idea is to help people get together as groups in what are being called “Bubbles.”
It’s a way of thinking to help people make decisions about who they meet with socially and how they mix.
We will be asking you to identify the people who are in your immediate bubble. In most cases, these people will be those who share your home. We are asking you to keep your bubbles as small as possible so if COVID-19 arrives in the islands, the potential spread is contained.
To help you understand what this means we will be publishing the Socially Connected, Physically Protected guidance on Tuesday 5 May.
ECONOMIC PACKAGE
The Government is now ready to take applications for a number of new measures to assist businesses, private sector employees and households as they adjust to the economic effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The measures, announced on 17 April, are part of a package representing a comprehensive approach to addressing the cash flow needs of private sector workers and households and the liquidity needs of micro, small and medium sized businesses over the next three months.
You can access the application forms and further details at fig.gov.fk/covid-19
REGULATIONS GUIDANCE
The Infectious Diseases Control (Coronavirus) (No.2) Regulations 2020 were gazetted on April 30.
If activated by declaration, the Regulations would give legal effect to restrictions and requirements on businesses, premises, movement and gatherings. The relevant restrictions and requirements could then be legally enforced.
There are currently no plans to activate the Regulations – the public are asked to follow all advice and guidance issued by the Falkland Islands Government.
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.
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.
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
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.