20 May 2020
COVID-19 Public Update
KEMH UPDATE
The latest test results processed by KEMH are all negative for COVID-19.
This week the hospital has begun testing of swabs locally with its new PCR analyser, and there is no need to send swabs to the UK for processing.
19 swabs were processed locally.
So far 445 tests have been carried out in total. There have been 13 positive COVID-19 results in the Falklands but all those affected have recovered or ended their isolation period.
It is now one month since the last swab found to be positive for COVID-19 was taken in the Falklands.
If you have had a swab taken from KEMH recently, its important you wait to hear directly from the hospital as to your test result and to keep following their health advice in the meantime.
Having testing done locally means that people who are symptomatic with a flu-like illness, and who have been asked to isolate, will be able to be swabbed. Once the result is known, if it is not positive for COVID-19, and once the individual has been completely well for 24 hours, they will be free to return to work/school following discussion with and advice from a clinician at KEMH.
This also means that household members of symptomatic individuals (who are still expected to isolate alongside their unwell family/bubble member) will be able to be released back to work/school as soon as a negative result is returned.
It is expected that the self-isolation times in these cases will be greatly reduced with the opportunity for on-Island testing.
Arrangements for pharmacy continue as before - request repeat prescriptions via the dispensary answerphone 28011 or email
Your prescription can be collected on your behalf by someone not in self-isolation. Allow 2 working days from request to collection. The pharmacy counter continues to be open for collections from 1.30pm to 4pm Monday-Friday at present.
LANDING DAY COMMEMORATION
Tomorrow marks the 38th commemoration of Landing Day, and the start of the liberation of the Falkland Islands.
The Reverend Ian Faulds will carry out a service of remembrance at the cemetery at San Carlos settlement.
While this is a public commemoration numbers attending are limited to observe social distancing and there will be visible markers placed around cemetery to assist with this.
Wreaths will be laid by the Governor, MLAs and the community.
While this is a public commemoration numbers attending are limited to observe social distancing and there will be visible markers placed around cemetery to assist with this.
HMS Forth will be anchored in San Carlos Water but none of the vessel’s crew will come ashore.
San Carlos Settlement is not open to public access other than to reach the Cemetery car park and there are no toilet facilities available. Unlike previous services there will be no social gathering after the event.
If any of the community have wreaths they wish to be laid but cannot attend the FIDF are happy to assist and arrange on their behalf.
SHOWING KINDNESS
This week is Mental Health Awareness week, and the theme is ‘kindness’. Good mental health is not just about ‘fixing’ problems like depression or anxiety with medication or therapy, it is also about doing what we can to stay emotionally healthy.
Showing kindness to ourselves and each other is one of the most important ways to protect our mental health. Earlier in the week we asked you to try to do something kind for someone you love, and today we're going to ask you to try to do something kind for a stranger.
Again, this does not have to be a big gesture, just a little act of random kindness can go a long way. Notice how it feels to offer someone a little kindness, notice how it makes you feel good to be kind to another person, even if you don't know them.
If you notice a stranger being kind to you in the next couple of days, notice how it makes you feel.
Kindness is contagious - being kind and receiving kindness makes us feel good about ourselves and it makes us more likely to be kind, which in turn helps us to protect our mental health.
Of course, this comes as some of us are naturally feeling worried about COVID-19.
These feelings do 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.
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.
OUR COVID-19 WEB PAGE
Our web page dedicated to COVID-19 carries updates, FAQs, guidance and other documents related to the FIG COVID-19 response.
We’ve done some reorganising of the page to make it easier to navigate and find what you are looking for. The page is at fig.gov.fk/covid-19
OUR REGULAR INFORMATION
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.
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
FIGO SERVICES
While the Falkland Islands Government Office in London remains closed all staff are working from home to help all Islanders in the UK, Falkland Islands organisations, FIG, and anyone traveling to and from the Islands. Please do not hesitate to contact them:
For Airbridge – Please contact our Travel Co-Ordinator Teryn Joshua on either 07984 096 726 or
For Medical – Please contact our Medical Co-Ordinator Gemma Clayphan on 07399 163140 or
For Students – Please contact the Deputy Representative Michael Betts on
For all other queries regarding COVID-19 or any other issues, we can be reached via 020 7222 2542 (message will provide a range of contact information) or
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.