Thread by @RMBFLK

#Falklands #COVID19 Q and A session with invited media

First question is about business support
Business issues identified in survey include staff retention and liquidity
Household issues also relate to financial worries
Initial measures already in place
More next week

200 applications expected under initial scheme - 12 received so far and first payments about to be made

Second question is about people commuting between Stanley and MPC
Policy is for anyone working at MPC to stay within complex
Steps being taken to make other interactions safer

Next question about why MPC #COVID19 cases treated at KEMH in Stanley not at MPC
Explained that secondary care only available at KEMH

Questions about testing
Able to carry out tests but not yet analyse them locally
First (delayed) batch of tests *may* have degraded but no reason to assume all false negatives and better handling now in place

Asked about drug and equipment availability
#Falklands CMO @falklandsbeccy says drugs on resupply and up to 15 ventilators will be available - staffing may need to be flexible

Questions about scenarios reacted from ExCo paper on scenario planning
"No great secret" - thought to be given to releasing scenario or at least summary

Question about people "stranded" in #Falklands
Not aware of current problem
Arrangements can be put in place for fishermen at end of season

Questions about whether new #COVID19 cases brought to #Falklands or transmitted at MPC and arrangements at MPC
#FalklandIslands CMO @falklandsbeccy says evidence suggests person to person transmission at MPC but strict measures already in place there

Lead MLA @LeonaMla assures other MLAs still working (some from isolation) and dealing with other "business as usual"
Leona Robert's taking lead for now for consistent messaging

Q and As not going to be daily - takes time out of dealing with situation which will be "long haul"
Chief Exec says "committed" to communication

#Falklands CMO @falklandsbeccy says #FalklandIslands as ready as can be - preparing for worst and hoping for best
Using @PHE_uk models but having to adapt for size and demographics of local population

Asked about possible need to ask for help from elsewhere, explained that this will mean using existing links (eg with Uruguay - assistance already provided with getting supplies shipped via Montevideo)

[Recent "offer" of "help" from Argentina *not* mentioned in q or a!]

Q and A ends with a "light relief" question from @gav424!

@threadreaderapp unroll, please!