2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Falkland Islands

Last updated

2020 Coronavirus pandemic in the Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands-corona-2020-04-09.png
Location of the COVID-19 outbreak
Disease COVID-19
Virus strain SARS-CoV-2
Location Falkland Islands
First outbreak United Kingdom
Index case RAF Mount Pleasant
Arrival date3 April 2020
Confirmed cases13 [1] (2020-04-30)
Recovered13
Official website
COVID-19 @ F.I.G.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Falkland Islands is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was confirmed to have reached to the Falkland Islands on 3 April 2020. [2] On 30 April, all patients recovered. [3]

Contents

Background

The Falkland Islands Infectious Diseases Plan set out stages for the COVID-19 response. The Falkland Islands has carried out robust preparations for COVID-19. [4] It was announced that measures may include:

There are no facilities to test for the virus on the Falklands and it takes around 10 days to get test results back from Britain, which is almost 8,000 miles away. [5] On 23 March, the Argentinian Government offered the British ambassador to Brazil medical supplies including Covid 19 tests, [6] but the Falklands has as of 27 March not followed up on the offer. [5] The Falklands has received the equipment to test locally. [7]

Timeline

COVID-19 cases in Falkland Islands  (
)
     Deaths        Recoveries        Active cases
Date
# of cases
2020-04-03
​
1
⋮
​
1(=)
2020-04-05
​
2(+100%)
⋮
​
2(=)
2020-04-08
​
​
5(+150%)
⋮
​
​
5(=)
2020-04-14
​
​
11(+120%)
⋮
​
​
11(=)
2020-04-17
​
​
11(=)
⋮
​
​
11(=)
2020-04-21
​
​
12(+9%)
⋮
​
​
12(=)
2020-04-24
​
​
13(+8.3%)
⋮
​
​
13(=)
2020-04-30
​
13(=)
Data sourced from fig.gov.fk
The testing lag often results gaps in the chart, because the results were still pending.

March

On 19 March, around 238 people were flown off the islands on a plane bound for Córdoba, Argentina. [8]

The Falkland Islands government confirmed it has had contact with the United Kingdom concerning the pandemic. [9] The government on the islands advised tourists and foreigners to leave the archipelago as it cannot guarantee further flights leaving the islands, whilst cruise ships reaching the Falklands would only be allowed to dock if passengers had been on board for at least 10 days and if none were suffering from symptoms of COVID-19. Travel between the islands of the Falklands is heavily restricted. Social distancing measures are in place. [10]

On 23 March, Argentina said it had reached out to Britain's ambassador in Buenos Aires to offer material support to the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands hit by the coronavirus outbreak. [11]

On 26 March, as a precaution, the islands' government has closed all schools and nurseries until 4 May. [12]

On 28 March, it was confirmed that a child was critically ill with suspected COVID-19 and was being treated at a small hospital in Stanley. [13]

April

On 3 April, the first case in the Falkland Islands was officially confirmed. [2] All schools and nurseries were closed and all workers not deemed critical told to stay at home. [14]

On 5 April, a second case was confirmed. [15]

On 8 April, there were five cases and one recovery, all serving at the Mount Pleasant Complex. 137 people have been tested thus far. [16]

On 14 April, there were 11 cases and one recovery. [17]

As of 15 April, 255 samples had been processed. Additional measures were put in place, and journeys from and to Mount Pleasant Complex needed to be approved. [18]

On 17 April, a set of measures was announced for individuals and business and includes among others, a job retention scheme, unemployment subsidy, non-repayable grants to businesses. [19]

On 23 April, it was announced that the Falkland Islands will be able to test for COVID-19 next week when the testing machines will arrive. 337 samples have been send to the United Kingdom thus far. [7]

On 24 April, it was announced that the fishing industry is facing a difficult time due to the coronavirus pandemic. [20] Between 50 and 60% of GDP of the Falklands depends on fishing. [21]

On 27 April, the prices of wool had dropped 50% compared to last year. The prices had already been under decline, but the remaining crash was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. [22]

On 29 April, it was announced that price of electricity per unit for all consumers will be decreased from 23p to 18p from 1 May onwards. [23]

On 30 April, it was announced that all 13 cases have recovered. [3]

Statistics

Chronology of the number of active cases

2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Falkland Islands

Related Research Articles

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic by country and territory Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic by country and territory

This article provides a general overview and documents the status of locations by continents and conveyance of the world affected by the coronavirus responsible for the ongoing 2019–20 pandemic originating in Wuhan, Hubei, China. It may not include all the most up-to-date major responses and measures by individual countries and territories.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Canada

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The disease was confirmed to have reached Canada on January 27, 2020, after a man who had returned to Toronto from Wuhan, Hubei, China, tested positive. As of May 1, 2020, there have been over 55,000 confirmed cases, 22,751 recoveries and 3,391 deaths in the country. The Government of Canada has released modelling anticipating 11,000–22,000 deaths over the course of the pandemic, assuming "stronger epidemic control".

2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America Details of ongoing viral pandemic in North America

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached North America in January 2020. As of 25 March 2020, all North American countries have reported at least one case of COVID-19.

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached Lebanon in February 2020.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa Details of ongoing viral pandemic in Africa

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have spread to Africa on 14 February 2020. The first confirmed case was in Egypt, and the first confirmed case in sub-Saharan Africa was in Nigeria. Most of the identified imported cases have arrived from Europe and the United States rather than from China.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oceania Details of ongoing viral pandemic in Oceania

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached Oceania in January 2020. The first confirmed case was reported in Australia. As of 25 April, ten Oceania sovereign states have yet to report a case of COVID-19: Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in South Africa Details of ongoing viral pandemic in South Africa

The ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic spread to South Africa with Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize announcing the first confirmed case on 5 March 2020, the patient being a South African returning from Italy.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Bailiwick of Jersey is part of an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case in Jersey was confirmed on 10 March 2020 when a person tested positive on the island after returning from Italy.

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have spread to the Maldives on 7 March 2020 from an Italian tourist who had returned to Italy after spending holidays in Kuredu Resort & Spa. The Health Protection Agency of the Maldives confirmed two cases in the Maldives, both employees of the resort. Following this, the hotel was locked down with several tourists stranded on the island. As of 11 March, the islands resorts of Kuredu, Vilamendhoo, Batalaa and Kuramathi island have also been placed under temporary quarantine. Schools have been closed as a precaution.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in South America Details of ongoing viral pandemic in South America

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached South America, first reported on 26 February when Brazil confirmed a case in São Paulo. By 3 April, all countries and territories in South America, including the French overseas department of French Guiana, and the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands, have recorded at least one case.

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached Seychelles in March 2020. No cases have been reported in Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island and Outer Islands.

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached the United States territory of the Northern Mariana Islands in March 2020.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Grenada is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was confirmed to have reached Grenada on March 22, 2020. Despite lockdowns and social distancing protocols, it appeared to have reached the level of community spread within one month.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Montserrat Details of ongoing viral pandemic in Montserrat

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Montserrat is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was confirmed to have reached the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat on 17 March 2020.. The first death occurred on 24 April 2020.

The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached the British crown dependency of the Isle of Man on 19 March 2020.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic reached Northern Ireland on 29 February 2020. Northern Ireland has the lowest recorded coronavirus death rate in the United Kingdom and a lower rate than the Republic of Ireland. It is also carrying out more tests per capita than the other countries of the United Kingdom. According to the Department of Health, 365 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, both in hospitals and care homes.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in South Asia Details of ongoing viral pandemic in South Asia

Countries and territories in South Asia have been affected by the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Sint Eustatius Details of ongoing viral pandemic in Sint Eustatius

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Sint Eustatius is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was confirmed to have reached the Dutch Caribbean of Sint Eustatius on March 31, 2020. The island has a population of 3,139 people.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Saba Details of ongoing viral pandemic in Saba

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Saba is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was confirmed to have reached the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba on April 12, 2020. The island has a population of 1,905 people.

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Bonaire Details of ongoing viral pandemic in Bonaire

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Bonaire is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was confirmed to have reached the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire on 16 April 2020. On 28 April, all cases recovered.

References

  1. ↑ "COVID-19 Update - 30 April 2020". Falkland Island Government. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  2. 1 2 Haynes, Deborah (4 April 2020). "Coronavirus: British serviceperson is Falkland Islands' first case of COVID-19". Sky News. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  3. 1 2 "COVID-19 Public Update - 30 April 2020". Falkland Islands Government. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  4. ↑ "Falklands moves to next COVID-19 response; March 26 referendum postponed for six months — MercoPress".
  5. 1 2 "Isolation Helped These Islands Delay a COVID-19 Outbreak. Now, Being Remote Could Be Their Biggest Problem". Time. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  6. ↑ "Argentina ofrece a Gran Bretaña ayuda para los habitantes de las Islas Malvinas por coronavirus (in Spanish)". infobae. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  7. 1 2 "Falklands should be ready next week to test swabs in the Islands". Merco Press. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  8. ↑ McLoughlin, Bill (19 March 2020). "Coronavirus panic: Falkland Islands 'strongly advises' tourists LEAVE before virus hits". Express.co.uk.
  9. ↑ "London's support for Falklands to deal with the impacts of the pandemic". Merco Press. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  10. ↑ "Latest Updates". Falkland Islands Government. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  11. ↑ Sigal, Lucila (23 March 2020). "Argentina offers coronavirus aid to UK citizens in Falklands". Reuters . Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  12. ↑ "Falkland Islands: New stage in Government COVID-19 response". Merco Press. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  13. ↑ "Coronavirus: Falkland Islands brace for first COVID-19 case". Sky News.
  14. ↑ "British serviceperson is first case of coronavirus in Falkland Islands". Metro UK. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  15. ↑ FalklandsinUK (5 April 2020). "Breaking: 5:4:20 A second positive test result for coronavirus #COVID19 has been confirmed by CMO Dr Edwards in the #Falklands #FalklandIslands. The patient is based at the #BFSAI Mount Pleasant Complex, where they have been in isolation with a range of COVID19 like symptoms.pic.twitter.com/2MWHgoNUaR". @FalklandsinUK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  16. ↑ "COVID 19 Public Update - 8 April 2020". Falkland Island Government. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  17. ↑ "COVID-19 Public Update PM - 14 April 2020". Falklands Islands Government. 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  18. ↑ "COVID-19 Public Update - 15 April 2020". Falklands Islands Government. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  19. ↑ "Government unveils comprehensive COVID-19 support package - 17 April". Falklands Islands Government. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  20. ↑ "Falklands faces fishing markets paralyzed on COVID-19 impact". Merco Press. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  21. ↑ "Self-sufficiency". The Falkland Islands Government. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  22. ↑ "Wool prices down 50% since early last year". Penguin News (week 18). Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  23. ↑ "COVID-19 Public Update - 29 April 2020". The Falkland Islands Government. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.