MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands receives 28 coronavirus test results from UK and all are negative

Dr. Rebecca Edwards, Chief Medical Officer said that at this stage the Falkland Islands does not yet have a confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Falkland Islands hospital, KEMH, announced on Monday it has received 28 coronavirus test results back from the UK which are all negative for COVID-19, which according to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rebecca Edwards means that at this stage the Falkland Islands does not yet have a confirmed case of COVID-19.

“That’s good news, although test results are not 100 per cent accurate. So, we continue with our response to assume that it is still likely we have COVID-19 on the Islands. This is the prudent course as we wait for further test results”.

“There’s been a very good response by people to our requirement for them to self-isolate if they have suspect symptoms or are considered vulnerable. People are also practicing social distancing, keeping those two meters apart. We need the public to keep following that advice – it will make all the difference for our community.”

Further test results are hoped to be received later on in the coming days, and “we will be expected to be in a position to provide an further update on Wednesday”.

Care continues for a child who remains in the King Edward Memorial Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The test results arrived from the UK in the reestablished Airbridge flight which had been interrupted when the former Portuguese colony of Cabo Verde, in Africa, decided to close its sea and air borders.