26 April 2022
COVID-19 update: positive case identified in Stanley
Today, the KEMH has identified a positive case of COVID-19 in Stanley. This case has been identified outside of quarantine and the individual tested positive following a PCR test, having exhibited the symptoms of COVID-19. This is not a case of serious illness and no one has been admitted to the KEMH. As a reminder, Level One contacts are advised to test daily for a period of 10 days and are not required, by law, to self-isolate.
As previously advised, following the confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Mount Pleasant Complex, the government was unable to confirm if there had been any wider transmission across the community, prior to the introduction of precautionary measures at MPC. However, this latest development does now confirm that there has been at least one transmission of the virus within the community.
What does this mean for the wider community?
This does not mean that the government will be changing its approach to relaxing COVID-19 measures from 4 May 2022 – it will neither speed up, nor delay, the plans that we have put in place. All passengers arriving between now and 4 May 2022, will still need to undertake quarantine in line with the existing regulations. The non-essential visitor policy will also remain in place until that date.
As previously communicated, the government is advising everyone to consider adopting enhanced protective measures, such as the wearing of face coverings in public spaces, and practicing social distancing and good hygiene activities, such as frequent hand-washing.
There are very few people in the community who are currently considered to be at an extreme risk. The KEMH has already written to everyone identified as clinically extremely vulnerable and at this time they are not being advised to shield. If you are not contacted by the hospital, then you are not classified as being at an extreme risk, and should follow the same guidance as everyone else on how to stay safe. The KEMH has also sent out small packs with tests and information to those at a slightly increased risk (moderate-high risk groups) in the last 24 hours.
Is the hospital prepared for further cases of COVID-19?
The KEMH is prepared for further cases of COVID-19. As announced yesterday, it has introduced a series of changes to help protect the resilience of its staff and services, and has taken measures to ensure it has enough COVID-19 medication and testing kits for the whole community.
Further details on the new KEMH measures, which are in operation already, can be found by visiting: https://www.falklands.gov.fk/covid-19/public-updates/356-25-april-2022-changes-to-services-at-the-kemh
Where can I get tested?
Anyone who experiences the symptoms of COVID-19 should contact the KEMH and request a test. Asymptomatic testing is not encouraged at this stage, unless you are identified as a direct contact of a confirmed positive case, or as a usual part of the test-to-release regime for people in quarantine or participating in workplace resilience/surveillance testing programmes.
Medicine chests in Camp, have also been resupplied with additional LFD tests and COVID-19 supplies, today.
Where can I get more information?
Last week, the government sent out at COVID-19 public health guidance booklet to all households. This can also be found online, by visiting: https://www.falklands.gov.fk/covid-19/component/jdownloads/?task=download.send&id=351&catid=2&m=0&Itemid=101
The government’s plan for COVID-19 response levels is also available on our website, this was last updated on 24 April 2022: https://www.falklands.gov.fk/covid-19/component/jdownloads/?task=download.send&id=363&catid=2&m=0&Itemid=101
The government’s dedicated COVID-19 website is also currently being revised, ahead of 4 May 2022, and will feature all of the latest information, including public health guidance, frequently asked questions, and links to business continuity plans for each government directorate and department.
The website can be found by visiting: https://www.falklands.gov.fk/covid-19/