08 May 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
The latest batch of tests from the UK are all negative for COVID-19. Seven swabs were tested, meaning that 402 tests have so far been carried out in the UK. There have been 13 positive COVID-19 results in the Falklands but all those affected have recovered or ended their isolation period.
The hospitallaboratory staffhave this week beentesting, calibrating and doing training on a new analyser that will enable on-island testing.
SCHOOLS ARE READY
Schools have today been making final preparations for reopening on Monday, May 11.
A comprehensive information pack to assist ahead of the reopening has been sent to all parents. It includes an extensive series of common questions and their answers ocial distancing in schools and hygiene, protection and cleanliness measures.
Information is also provided about Camp Education and Stanley House and Year 11 students. Camp Education is an integral part of the school and also re-opens on 11 May.
Stanley Housewill re-open on 11 May,in line with need. All parents have been contacted so that we can assess need and make appropriate staff and accommodation plans.
Due to travel restrictions, there will be changes in place, for examplerestrictionsat presentprevent Camp Education travelling teachers from travelling to West Falkland.
Parents of children who usually work through Camp Educationhave been contacted.
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
If parents would like to talk through concerns, please contact the schools or the School Nurse service on 28080.
VE DAY
The Falkland Islands have today remembered the momentous events of 75 years ago when the Second World War in Europe ended.
People were able to join in a two minute silence at 11, while MLA Stacy Bragger laid a wreath on behalf of everyone at the Cross of Sacrifice in a short service.
We thank those who fought for democracy and freedom.
BUSINESS GUIDANCE
As part of the Governmentbusinesses and FIG will begin to restartMonday11 May - with workers from all sectors able to return unless otherwise advised.
Guidance from the Government was released yesterday.
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.
LEISURE CENTRE
Stanley Leisure Centre is reopening in a controlled manner in line with the FIG easing of some restrictions.
School use will restart on Monday, 11 May with strict supervision and management of pupil PE lessons by the Schools.
Public use on a restricted basis will start on Monday 18 May.
The Centre will not allow casual use or entry. Access will be by prior booking only.
This will enable the Leisure Centre to control numbers entering the building and only to open the building when there are confirmed bookings in place.
This covers all facilities including the sports hall, squash court and fitness room.
The Centre Reception doors will be kept locked and only opened once booked sessions are due.
Clients will need to wait outside until the sessions are due to start.
The centre is maintaining a cleaning and hygiene protocol and taking other steps to ensure social distancing and other public health precautions are observed.
For more detail see the Leisure Centre Reopening document on the www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19 page, under Latest Updates, or go to the Stanley Leisure Centre Facebook page.
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
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.
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.
ECONOMIC PACKAGE
The Government is now taking applications for a number of new measures, first announced on April 17 2020, to assist businesses, private sector employees and households as they adjust to the economic effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Documentation and further details for a Job Furlough programme, and an Unemployment Subsidy Scheme can be accessed at www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19
The Business Grant scheme is being delivered by FIDC on behalf of FIG and you can view the documents at www.fidc.co.fk/library/covid-19 or on the FIG COVID-19 web page above.
EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE SUPPORT PACKAGE
The Falkland Islands Government’s support package announced on 25 March 2020 for private sector employers with employees, as well as the self-employed, remains open for applications.
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.
The Business Grant Scheme is being delivered by FIDC. It might be worthwhile directing that one to them although the guidance docs are on our website (the contact details are in the FAQ/Guidance).
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 new or worsening cough
- a high temperature (at least 38
- 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.