Falkland Islands Government
COVID-19: Information and Guidance

If you require any announcement in another language then please contact communcations.officer@sec.gov.fk

6 April 2022

COVID-19 Update

Welcome to April’s monthly COVID-19 update. This edition of the monthly bulletin will mainly focus on the changes that are coming from 4 May onwards.

KEMH TESTING

  • Total number of positive test results since 3 April 2020: 128
  • Number of current positive test results within the Islands: 4

WHAT IS CHANGING FROM 4 MAY?

From 4 May 2022, there will no longer be a legal requirement to:

  • Enter a period of quarantine upon arrival in the Falkland Islands
  • Provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test as a condition of entry to the Falkland Islands – however this may still be a requirement as a condition of carriage for people entering the Islands either by air or sea
  • Travel from Mount Pleasant Airport (MPA) in designated transport, provided travellers continue to meet the necessary security requirements to enter or exit Mount Pleasant Complex.

Additionally, people will no longer be advised to isolate if they are identified as a Level 1 Contact, but instead will be encouraged to test themselves daily – meaning that if someone in your household is isolating because they positive for COVID-19, then other members of that household need not isolate, but may leave and enter their property freely, but are advised to both test daily and take sensible precautions to safeguard others.

WHAT IS NOT CHANGING FROM 4 MAY?

Until 4 May 2022, all current COVID-19 measures will remain in place. This means that the test to release schemes are still in operation, dependent on people’s vaccination status, and quarantine restrictions must be adhered to. The reason why changes are not being enacted immediately is because specific conditions must be met first, namely:

  • The hospital will revise its resilience plans (as it has done over the past two years) to ensure that it has the necessary resources in place to support the community
  • Ensuring that there is sufficient Lateral Flow Device kits and medication available
  • That all organisations – both private and public sector – have sufficient plans in place to operate in an environment where COVID-19 infections will occur.

LATERAL FLOW DEVICE TESTS

The pharmacy has recently received a number of requests for LFD tests; however, it does not currently hold any stock that is available for the public. Stock of these test kits has been ordered, in order to prepare for the lifting of restrictions on 4 May and, once these have arrived, a public announcement will be made.

If, in meantime, you are concerned and would like to have a swab, then please contact the KEMH on 28000 to arrange this.

VACCINATION UPDATE

KEMH would like to remind people that is isn’t too late to be vaccinated! If you would like to receive the vaccine then please call the hospital on 28000 and, if you are eligible, then they will do their best to accommodate you. KEMH will also be contacting everyone who has an outstanding booster, to offer them the chance to get updated on their vaccinations, and is making plans to also boost the Loligo fishing fleet by the end of the season, later this month.

KEMH has delivered an amazing 10,500 vaccinations since this work began in February 2021.

GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY

We completely understand that the community has mixed feelings about the changes which will be enacted next month. In some quarters, there is excitement and relief, in others worry and concern. All of which are natural. In terms of the work that is being done to prepare everyone for the changes that lie ahead, the government is working on the following:

  • A complete refresh of the COVID-19 website which will include a comprehensive set of questions and answers, as well as the latest information on all policies, practices and procedures which relate to the coronavirus
  • Government will also reinstate the weekly statement on the number of COVID-19 cases in the Islands, however it should be noted that as people will be self-testing at different times and have to report their results to the hospital, these figures will not be 100% reflective of the true number of positive cases at any one time
  • A suite of materials from KEMH, which will provide the latest public health guidance
  • Guidance for cruise vessel operators and local tourism businesses, which will be published ahead of the 2022/23 tourism season, in collaboration with the Falkland Islands Tourist Board
  • Business continuity plans for each government directorate or department.

The next monthly COVID-19 update for the Falkland Islands will be on 4 May 2022.