26 May 2021

ExCo approves changes to quarantine measures for passengers travelling by air

Yesterday ExCo approved the introduction of a new ‘test to release’ option for passengers entering the Falkland Islands by air. This option, which is not mandatory, requires individuals to be swabbed for Covid-19 on or before day 2 and on day 8 after their arrival in the Islands. If the second test is negative, they will be able to leave quarantine. If the first test (on or before day 2) is positive, then both they and also the other passengers from the same flight will still be required to quarantine for 14 days. If the test on day 8 is positive, they and everyone else who is in quarantine with them will have to complete quarantine. ‘Test to release’ will be available for passengers arriving on or after 3 June 2021.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Beccy Edwards, said of the change: “It is likely that some form of quarantine will be necessary for a considerable length of time as new variants of Covid-19 emerge, however it is vital that these measures are proportionate and reflect the needs of the community, while taking into account the latest expert advice and evidence.

“This is nothing new for the Falkland Islands, as we have continued to adapt our approach since the adoption of the initial Infectious Diseases Plan back in March 2020. I hope that people are assured that we will manage these changes carefully, so that if public health issues re-emerge or escalate, we can address them quickly. This staged approach will also enable us to manage the wellbeing of our community, helping balance the risks of isolation with the protection of the wider population. Critically, we will continue to monitor all new arrivals very closely, with surveillance swabbing providing an extra layer of security.

“We have been fortunate enough to vaccinate the majority of our adult population, which should mean that widespread community transmission of coronavirus is very unlikely. There have also been a range of very good quality studies that have demonstrated how effective the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine is at preventing serious disease and hospitalisation.  While no system is perfect, making incremental and careful changes is the best way for us to start easing existing restrictions, in a way that can give the public confidence in our approach.”

What is not changing

• Passengers still require proof of a negative PCR test for Covid-19 no more than five days before arrival in Senegal when travelling via the South Atlantic Airbridge
• People who do not participate in the ‘test to release’ option will still be required to quarantine for 14 days (unless otherwise exempt)
• People who test positive must complete the full quarantine period of 14 days and may be asked to self-isolate for a further period after that, in line with the government’s self-isolation policy
• People in quarantine must not share their living accommodation or any facilities with anyone who is not in quarantine with them
• On arriving in the Islands, people must travel directly to their quarantine accommodation in government-designated transport or, if using a private vehicle, must travel alone or only with other people who are also in quarantine
• There is no change to the quarantine arrangements for anyone arriving by sea