11 February 2022

Positive Covid-19 case detected in the community

Today, Friday 11 February, the first case of Covid-19 has been identified within the Falkland Islands community. The person is fortunately well, asymptomatic and their swab result, while positive, was very weak. The case was identified following a travel swab that was taken last night prior to travelling on the South Atlantic Airbridge this morning, as the person was intending to travel beyond the UK. Had they intended to stay in the UK then they would not have been required to have a travel swab, and the case would most likely not have been identified.

As a precaution, this person is now in self-isolation and will undergo the standard two-swab regime during this time. A small group of Level One Contacts have been swiftly identified and directed to go into self-isolation; they will also be swabbed during the five-day period. As an extra safeguard, some lateral flow tests were undertaken at the MPC airport terminal building and all proved negative.

In terms of the clinical assessment to determine the origins of this positive case, it is thought that this person most likely contracted Covid-19 on a previous trip abroad and did not test positive before leaving the UK because they were asymptomatic.

KEMH would like to reassure the public that they have implemented Covid-19 contingency plans that were already in place in the event of circumstances such as this, and will be very closely monitoring the situation. As a well-vaccinated nation, the public health risk remains low and at this time the community can continue to operate as usual.

However, the hospital will be running a vaccination clinic tomorrow, Saturday 12 February, from 10:30am until 12:30pm. The clinic is for anyone aged over 18 and hasn’t yet had a booster, or anyone over 16 who hasn’t yet had a second primary dose. To book an appointment please call KEMH reception on 28000.

Equally KEMH wishes to remind the public of the continued importance of reporting cold and flu-like symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact KEMH on 28000, you will be asked to provide a contact number by the reception staff and asked to self-isolate until advised otherwise.

If you have a viral illness it remains important to stay at home and away from others until you are well. Any child with a fever, who is coughing, has a green snotty nose, is not eating or drinking, or has diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from nursery or school. They should be free of fever and well for 24 hours before returning to nursery or school.

Remember, in order to avoid spreading viruses:

• Catch it: germs spread easily; carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze
• Bin it: germs can live for several hours on tissues, dispose of these as soon as possible
• Kill it: hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch, so clean your hands often.