11 May 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
Hospital laboratory staff are continuing the preparation for introducing in-island COVID-19 testing using a new analyser. They are now running trial testing of the system. So far 402 tests have been carried out in the UK, with the most recent seven tests all negative on Friday 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.
SCHOOLS BUSY
Schools and nurseries have reopened today.
Executive Head Teacher Karen Steen said the attendance was very high for both schools: FICS at 98.9 per cent and IJS&CE at 95.4 per cent. She thanked parents and students for their support in reopening.
She said students in both schools are conducting themselves responsibly and are a credit to themselves and their families.
Nurseries report very strong attendance as well.
The attendance figures include Camp Education provision which is a mixture of Camp Schools, telephone lessons and visiting teachers. At present Camp Education travelling teachers are unable to travel to West Falkland.
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.
Stanley House has also reopened today.
A comprehensive information pack has been sent to parents, but those who would like to talk through concerns can contact the schools or the School Nurse service on 28080.
GENERAL GUIDANCE
As part of the Government’s easing of restrictions, businesses and FIG have also begun to restart - with workers from all sectors able to return today unless otherwise advised.
Guidance to businesses was released last week.
It outlines what businesses 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.
APPROVED TRAVEL
The approved travel arrangements for travel between MPC and Stanley are still in place and FIG would like to thank BFSAI and the public for their continued support.
At this time this remains an important part of our response and we appreciate the contribution being made by all, but particularly by those who are having to spend time away from family.
Due to everyone’s support over the past few weeks FIG has been able to start taking incremental steps back to normality.
FIGAS/WBS REVIEW NOTE
As part of the decisions by the Government to ease some restrictions, there will be a weekly review of the status of travel for Workboat Services Limited and FIGAS.
The two services currently have restrictions in place to preserve these critical transport links.
FIG anticipates completing a review of the current restrictions by Thursday 14 May and will advise the public of the outcome of the review.
OUR REGULAR UPDATES
We are adjusting our regular 5pm updates, and moving to have three a week – on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
We are always reviewing the situation and any urgent information for the public will be issued as needed outside the regular updates.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.