15 July 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH TESTING
1660 tests have now been processed, with no positive results received for nearly 80 days.
SURVEILLANCE SWABBING
The KEMH have been offering surveillance swabbing of our population for Covid-19. Surveillance swabbing is an important part of our public health response to the Covid-19 situation but it is entirely voluntary to participate.
Unlike an antibody test, surveillance swabbing confirms that you do not have Covid-19 on the day you were tested. If you have a surveillance swab KEMH will only contact you if your result is positive. If you do not hear from the KEMH then your swab was negative.
The KEMH would like to thank everyone who have taken part, and encourage anyone else who would like to be included in surveillance swabbing then please email
REMINDER ON ILLNESS
The KEMH would like to remind everyone that should you have a cold or flu-like illness, or any gastrointestinal illness, then please stay at home; do not go to work or school.
If you are unwell with any viral-type illness, KEMH ask that you call them on 28000 but DO NOT come to the hospital. Members of staff will provide advice to you on the phone. A reminder that the symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- A new or worsening cough
- A high temperature
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Temporary loss of taste smell
ADVICE ON PARTICIPATION IN HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES
Due to the impact of Covid-19 on countries around us, our ability to provide aeromedical evacuation is limited and we ask people to be mindful of the risks involved in participating in high-risk activities, including contact sports, and to consider avoiding them for the time being.
Dr Rebecca Edwards CMO said:
“Whilst we are very fortunate to be living in a Covid-free environment, sadly the global picture is that the pandemic is worsening, particularly in South America. As a result, our options for aeromedical evacuation are very limited. I’d appeal to everyone to please avoid participating in high-risk activities wherever possible. I appreciate that everyone is keen to get back to playing sport etc, and we will be constantly reviewing the situation and will advise as soon as we feel comfortable that the situation has changed. Thank you for your patience and help in following this advice.”
CLARIFICATION OF QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS
A number of questions have been raised as a result of the new Quarantine regulations. Clarification of these requirements will be coming in the next few days, along with an FAQ.