07 May 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
A further batch of 7 swabs is enroute to the UK for testing for COVID-19. 395 tests have so far been carried out in the UK. Seven results received yesterday were all negative for COVID-19.
There have been 13 positive COVID-19 results in the Falklands but all those affected have recovered or ended their isolation period.
The hospital laboratory staff have this week been testing, calibrating and doing training on a new analyser that will enable on-island testing.
The ability to soon test at KEMH for potential COVID-19 cases means that health authorities will be able to respond more quickly.
Executive Council has approved a new testing and tracing policy developed by KEMH to reflect this.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rebecca Edwards, said that at present, all individuals showing symptoms are isolated and the result of a swab can take a week or more. In that time they are in strict self-isolation, along with their immediate contacts.
“However with on-Island testing we will be able to release individuals from isolation early if their swab proves negative for COVID-19, as well as their immediate contacts.
“This will help to reduce time off work for symptomatic people as they will be able to return to work once they are over their acute illness.”
Dr Edwards said the policy includes contact tracing, which involves identifying who has been in contact with the confirmed case before and after they developed symptoms.
“Based on how close the contact is to the person, we can decide on who needs testing as a priority, and who needs to self-isolate right away. Other contacts may not need to self-isolate but be aware and act on any suspicious symptoms quickly.
Dr Edwards says the policy also sets out who would need to be swabbed as a precaution because of contact, and the process for further testing of a confirmed patient.
The Executive Council paper that details the policy is publicly available at www.fig.gov.fk/assembly
BUSINESS GUIDANCE
As part of the Government’s easing of restrictions, businesses and FIG will begin to restart non-essential work on Monday 11 May.
Guidance from the Government is being released today.
This guidance outlines to businesses what they need to think about and plan for to resume activities and provide a safe environment for staff, and those using their services.
It can be found at the fig.gov.fk/covid-19 page under the heading of Protecting Your Workforce During COVID-19.
We will also be publishing in the near future, information specific to certain businesses and faith-based groups, and a list of activities not yet permitted.
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL
Information to assist parents ahead of the 11 May reopening of schools will be sent out soon.
In order to assist the schools in setting up for reopening, the emergency childcare will not be available tomorrow.
Camp Education also re-opens on 11 May.
Due to travel restrictions, there will be changes in place, for example restrictions at present prevent Camp Education travelling teachers from travelling to West Falkland.
Parents of children who usually work through Camp Education will be contacted, so that you are up to date with your situation.
Those students who are unable to attend school, for example children who must continue to self-isolate on medical advice, and/or students in Camp who cannot travel to school because of travel restrictions, will receive support for remote learning. Schools will be in touch with more news about how that will work with families, later this week.
There are no restrictions for people who live on East Falkland to travel to Stanley to bring their children to school and to Stanley House, so long as they don’t enter or exit MPC.
The schools do not have capacity to provide support for remote learning where parents choose not to send their children back to school without medical advice, and where it is possible for them to travel to school. If parents would like to talk through concerns, please contact the schools or the School Nurse service on 28080.
Currently there is an internet and phone outage at FICS, please contact the Education Office on 27289, if you need to make contact with FICS.
Year 11 students will not return to school on 11 May. Falkland College and FICS are planning a transition programme for Year 11 students, more information will be sent soon which will include information about students pursuing employment opportunities.
Stanley House will re-open on 11 May, in line with need. All parents are being contacted so that we can assess need and make appropriate staff and accommodation plans.
VE DAY REMEMBERED
Tomorrow will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
To mark VE Day, The Royal British Legion is calling on people to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am tomorrow, and pause for a Two Minute Silence.
This is not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on so many lives across the world.
People are invited to take part in the Silence in whatever way they feel appropriate - be that standing at their window, stepping outside their home whilst remaining distanced from others, or taking the opportunity for a quiet moment of reflection.
Meanwhile the Reverend Ian Faulds will conduct a short service in the Cathedral at 10.30am to be screened by FITV, and carried by Falkland Islands Radio; it will be followed by a short wreath laying service at the Cross of Sacrifice at 1100 and then the 2 minutes silence.
However, for social distancing reasons, neither of these services are for public attendance.
METER READINGS
In the wake of the 1 May drop in power prices, PWD is reminding people on meters that they need to send in their readings by 4pm tomorrow, Friday.
The overall price of electricity per unit for all consumers has decreased from 23p to 18p for a period of three months.
To comply with the social distancing guidelines, where possible, all meter readings need to 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.
Please only email or phone in readings; DO NOT bring your readings to PWD offices.
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
YOUR WELLBEING
Feeling worried about COVID-19 does not necessarily mean that you have a mental health problem, but if you are noticing that you are more anxious or distressed than usual, and this is interfering with your daily life there are people ready to listen to your concerns and provide support.
The Emotional Wellbeing service at KEMH is available to offer support in person or on the phone. You can access this by phoning the Community Psychiatric Nurses on 28082, the Clinical Psychologist on 54228, or the School Nurse/CAMHS Nurse on 28080.
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.
AIRBRIDGE REMINDER
With regards to the next northbound flight accepting civilian passengers departing Mount Pleasant on Sunday 10 May 2020, please be aware that the deadline for any additional passengers, amendments, or cancellations is tomorrow, Friday 8 May at 8am (Falkland Islands 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.
These check-in and departure times will be confirmed for this northbound flight in due course. We thank you for your cooperation.
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
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.