The Falkland Islands government, FIG, announced that the first loligo season has come to a close as of 28 April, and on Thursday a number of vessels arrived in Stanley Harbor and Port William.
Aeroplane spotters in the Falklands will once again have the opportunity to temporarily witness the once familiar sight of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Twin Otter sitting on the Stanley Airport tarmac.
The Falkland Islands government announced on Monday that a decrease in electricity prices will come into effect on from this Friday 1 May 2020. The move is part of the government’s comprehensive suite of measures to assist businesses, private sector employees and households during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of COVID-19 tested positive cases at Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands has risen by one to thirteen, following on the latest 16 swab test results received by KEMH from the UK.
The impact of COVID-19 on the seafood market and industry operations has been severe, confirmed fishing industry executives and a spokesperson for the Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association (FIFCA).
While the Atlantic Airbridge between the Falkland Islands and Brize Norton continues to service normally and is crucial for sending swab tests to labs in the UK, the two commercial flights to the Islands, one from Chile and the most recent from Brazil remain suspended.
The Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association, FIFCA, Secretary James Bates said the sector faced difficulties and increased costs in the logistical and operational areas of the fishing businesses.
The Falkland Islands Executive Council considered this week two reports regarding further legislative proposals responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19. ExCo addressed the provisions put in place in the UK, including the Coronavirus Act 2020, and other laws.
A COVID-19 analyzer and related equipment are scheduled to arrive in the Falkland Islands over the weekend, which means the prospect of much faster testing of the Islands' swabs for potential virus contagion, and without having to send them to the UK.
The Falkland Islands government announced on Wednesday a support program for wool producers and their unsold clip in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. For that purpose, it has authorized the Department of Natural Resources to develop a program to purchase the unsold wool, in a one-time offer, with the price set at March 20.