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The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its scheduled update on the territorial hantavirus response.
Successful Pre-emptive Relocation to the UK
A coordinated territorial operation was successfully completed over the weekend to relocate individuals identified as the highest risk contacts to the United Kingdom.
A chartered Titan Airways flight arrived on St Helena on Saturday, 16 May, before flying to Ascension Island on Sunday, 17 May. The flight has since departed for the UK, successfully relocating a total of nine individuals (four from St Helena and five from Ascension Island). All individuals arrived safely in the UK, where they are continuing their isolation periods in proximity to specialised medical facilities. None of these individuals were showing symptoms of illness, and the transfer was executed purely as a pre-emptive and precautionary measure. The symptomatic patient on Ascension Island transferred to the UK by medevac on Friday 15 May also arrived safely and is now being assessed. Hantavirus tests continue to be negative and symptoms are resolving.
Gold Command wishes to express its sincere thanks to all stakeholders involved in ensuring this complex operation was completed safely and efficiently, including teams at St Helena Airport, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Government, local Emergency Services, and Public Health officials.
Territorial Status and Testing Update
- St Helena: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena. The patient admitted last week under Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols continues to receive care at the Jamestown General Hospital.
- On-Island Testing: Specialist UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) personnel continue to manage the newly established, limited on-island laboratory testing capability. Testing remains strictly reserved for clinical screening as determined by the medical team and is not available on request.
- Tristan da Cunha: The single probable case remains stable.
- Ascension Island: Further to the precautionary medevac of a patient last week, there are currently no confirmed cases on the island.
Communications Schedule and Public Guidance
In line with our adjusted schedule, routine updates have decreased in frequency. The next regular update will be shared via local radio broadcast this Wednesday, 20 May, followed by the next formal press release on Friday, 22 May. If any urgent developments occur, additional updates will be issued immediately.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop symptoms, please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before visiting any medical facility.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #GoldCommand #TerritorialUpdate
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime is observed on 18 May every year. The day celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, raise the profile of women in maritime, strengthen IMO’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and support work to address the current gender imbalance in maritime.
The IMO-WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association) Women in Maritime Survey 2024 reported that women account for just 19% of the workforce with only 1-2% of them being a part of the seafaring workforce. For more information visit the IMO website at https://www.imo.org/en/about/events/pages/international-day-for-women-in-maritime-2026.aspx.
To mark this occasion on St Helena we are promoting one of our St Helenians working in the maritime industry, Master Nicola O’Loan (Nee Mittens).
Nicola started her career at sea at the age of 16 years. She joined the RMS St Helena under Curnow Shipping at the time as a deck cadet.
Nicola commented:
“I first stepped foot onboard the RMS on 13 November 1996 and clearly remember the first week very well en route to Cape Town. Having never left St Helena before it was definitely an eye opener into the real world”.
Nicola worked towards gaining her Certificate of Competency as a 3rd Officer at South Tyneside Nautical College in the UK. This involved a combination of studying at college and spending time at sea.
Nicola added:
“I was lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time on various types of vessels during my cadetship: the passenger liner, Queen Elizabeth (QE) 2, sailing across to New York and the Norwegian Fjords and a container ship, CGM Cavalier, travelling from Europe to South America and the Caribbean. With Trinity House maintaining navigational buoys and lighthouses around UK and at UMA dredging”.
Nicola qualified as an Officer of the Watch (OOW), 3rd Officer, in summer 2000 and then sailed for a few years as 3rd and 2nd Mate onboard the RMS St Helena. She then joined Red Funnel Ferry Company on the ‘Ro-Ro’ and Hi-speed vessels operating between Southampton and the Isle of Wight as Chief Officer and became Master on the Hi-speed vessels in 2007.
When reflecting on her career Nicola says:
“As a young girl, it was a fantastic opportunity that helped shape my future while contributing to the growing number of females in the Merchant Navy. I would encourage anyone to take the leap and pursue such an incredible career opportunity if given the chance. Not only does it offer the opportunity to see the world, but there is also so much to learn and gain from a career in the Merchant Navy”.
More Information About Women in Maritime
- In the 18th century, women were often considered bad luck on ships, believed to distract the crew and anger the sea. Despite restrictions, women served as stewardesses and keepers of ship records. Wives of captains sometimes took command in emergencies, such as the case of Caroline Mayhew in 1846.
- During WWI and WWII, women significantly increased their presence in shipbuilding, with women making up nearly 65% of West Coast US shipbuilders during World War II, though many lost these jobs after the war.
- The only way for most women to take part in running a merchant vessel before 1900, was through marriage or by being the captain’s daughter
- Women in Maritime – Ida Lewis (1842–1911) was a renowned American lighthouse keeper famously nicknamed “the bravest woman in America” for her daring rescues of shipwrecked sailors and residents in Rhode Island. As keeper of the Lime Rock Light Station, she officially saved 18 lives, some estimates suggest up to 36, and was the first woman to receive the Gold Lifesaving Medal.
- The Legend of Awilda: Alwilda was a Scandinavian princess in the 5th century. Her father arranged a marriage for her to Alf, the crown prince of Denmark, but Alwilda refused. To avoid this arranged marriage, together with some female friends, she decided to dress like a sailor and take command of a ship. While sailing, Alwilda’s ship encountered a pirate ship that had recently lost its captain, and the pirates elected her to be their captain. The prince of Denmark sent his son Alf to fight against the pirates. Alf’s courage impressed Alwilda and made her reveal her real identity. They married onboard the pirate ship and lived happily as King and Queen of Denmark.
Are you a woman working in the maritime industry and would like to share your story? Please get in contact with Wendy Benjamin via email at wendy.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Photos
Nicola with a fellow cadet on board the RMS St Helena
Nicola in the Master’s seat of a Red Funnell ferry
(Photos courtesy of Nicola O’Loan)
Discussions between the St Helena Government (SHG) and the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG) regarding the extension of the existing Memorandum of Understanding relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) have progressed positively.
While agreement has substantially been reached, final matters remain subject to confirmation before formal communications can be issued. All parties continue to work constructively to conclude the process as quickly as possible.
We now expect to provide a further update early next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding while these complex discussions have been taking place.
#StHelena #BIOT #Agreement
The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its final daily update for the week regarding the hantavirus response, as local and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) teams continue their coordinated efforts across the Territory.
Pre-emptive Relocations Scheduled
Following specialised risk assessments, the planned, pre-emptive relocation of higher-risk individuals to the UK is scheduled to go ahead this weekend. Please note that these movements remain subject to weather conditions. Four individuals currently on St Helena and five individuals on Ascension Island will be relocated to the UK to complete their isolation periods near specialised medical care.
None of the individuals scheduled for relocation are currently showing symptoms of illness, and these transfers are being undertaken purely as a pre-emptive and precautionary measure.
Financial Support for Self-Isolating Individuals
To assist those impacted by public health measures, SHG will provide financial support to eligible individuals identified as higher-risk contacts who are required to self-isolate for 45 days. This scheme is specifically designed for people formally instructed by SHG Public Health to isolate at home who cannot work, resulting in a loss of income. Eligible applicants may receive support payments of up to £160 per week during their isolation period. These payments will be made weekly, and the first payment will be backdated to the start of the individual’s isolation.
Eligible individuals will be contacted directly by SHG with further details on the scheme and instructions on how to access it. Please note that employees who continue to receive their normal salary from their employer during this period (including SHG employees) are not eligible, as they have experienced no loss of income.
Adjustment to Communications Schedule
As the initial phase of the incident response stabilises and our enhanced on-island capabilities are established, the frequency of routine public updates will decrease. For the following week, information will be shared on the following scheduled basis:
- Monday and Friday: A formal update will be issued via official SHG press releases.
- Wednesday: An update will be shared via local radio broadcasts (SAMS and Saint FM) featuring public health and government officials.
The public are reassured that if a situation arises where additional or urgent communications are required, SHG will issue updates accordingly.
Territorial Status and Testing Reminders
- St Helena Status: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena.
- Testing Feasibility: UKHSA laboratory personnel continue to verify safety and quality checks to establish limited, on-island testing capabilities ahead of the weekend. Testing will be strictly reserved for clinical screening and will not be available on request.
Public Information and Guidance
The next routine update will be issued on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The community is thanked for their continued support and is reminded to rely on official SHG channels for verified information. The updated Q&A can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop the following symptoms, please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before attending any medical facility:
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue (feeling more tired than usual)
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #TerritorialUpdate
The St Helena Resilience Forum (SHRF) have confirmed that the Gold Command structure activated specifically to manage the recent island-wide power outage is standing down today, as the electricity situation is now under control and stable.
St Helena is currently managing two separate major incidents under distinct response structures. While the Gold Command for the power outage is now standing down, a separate Gold Command remains active and focused on managing the hantavirus response.
Connect St Helena Update: Ongoing and Upcoming Works
Although the emergency power response has concluded, Connect Saint Helena Ltd continues essential recovery works on Feeder 3 in the Deadwood area today, Friday 15 May, and tomorrow, Saturday 16 May 2026.
The final transfer of the power supply is planned for Monday, 18 May. To safely complete this work, a planned outage will be required on Feeder 3. Connect Saint Helena Ltd will communicate the exact timing of Monday’s outage to the public as soon as details are finalised.
Gold Commander for the power outage incident, Alex Mitham, expressed his gratitude to the community and the teams who worked around the clock to restore the grid:
“On behalf of this Gold Command, I want to thank every individual involved in getting the island’s electricity back to a stable level. The dedication of the engineers, technicians, and multi-agency partners has been outstanding. We also want to thank the community for their cooperation and patience while we navigated this outage.”
The public are advised to continue monitoring official channels and local radio for specific timing updates regarding Monday’s planned outage on Feeder 3.
#StHelena #EssentialInfrastructure
The St Helena Government (SHG) continues to coordinate with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and international partners to manage the ongoing response to the hantavirus. Our priority remains the safety of the community through proactive monitoring and clear public information.
Clarity on Hantavirus Testing Capability
Laboratory personnel deployed to St Helena from the UKHSA are currently exploring the feasibility of performing hantavirus testing on-island. It is important to note that testing for this virus involves complex laboratory techniques and is typically performed only in highly specialised facilities; in the United Kingdom, for example, only one such laboratory exists.
Subject to rigorous quality and safety checks, it is hoped that on-island testing will be available by this weekend, though this cannot be guaranteed at this stage. Due to limited supplies, testing will be strictly prioritised for:
- People with a suspected hantavirus infection (there have been no suspected cases on St Helena to date).
- Weekly screening of higher-risk contacts (those currently in isolation).
Hantavirus testing will not be available on request. It is also important to clarify that a negative test result will not allow a person to exit isolation early. Instead, the testing is intended to provide the earliest possible warning of infection so that appropriate clinical care can begin immediately.
Upcoming Logistics and Relocations
Following recent risk assessments, a flight for the pre-emptive relocation of a small number of higher-risk individuals is scheduled to arrive on Saturday 16 May and depart on Sunday, 17 May 2026 subject to weather. These individuals, who currently show no signs of illness, are being moved to the UK to complete their isolation period in proximity to specialised medical facilities.
Cruise Ship Visit and Maritime Protocols
The cruise ship Azamara Onward, originally travelling from South Africa, is expected to visit St Helena next Tuesday, 19 May. The visit will proceed as normal, with standard maritime health protocols in effect. This includes the mandatory submission of Maritime Declarations of Health and rigorous screening by local officials. Whilst we are sensitive to public concern, it is important to remember that the hantavirus case was a rare and isolated occurrence.
Territorial Status Update
- St Helena: Zero confirmed or suspected cases.
- Tristan da Cunha: One probable case remains stable and is improving.
- Ascension Island: No confirmed cases. Investigations continue for one high-risk contact who developed symptoms; initial tests were negative. As a precautionary measure, pre-emptive relocation efforts are in progress for this individual to be moved closer to medical care and specialised support.
Support for those self-isolating
The Government has agreed a mechanism to support those individuals who are voluntary self-isolating, the details of the support scheme will be announced by the Chief Minister on Friday.
Public Information
The public are encouraged to tune in to the scheduled radio talks tomorrow, Friday, for further updates from Public Health professionals and are reminded to use official SHG channels for the most accurate information. The updated Q&A can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop a fever or muscle aches, please call the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 immediately for guidance.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #MedicalTesting #MaritimeSafety
The St Helena Government (SHG) continues to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and territorial partners to manage the hantavirus response. Our approach remains cautious, proportionate, and guided by expert medical advice to protect our communities.
Territorial Status Update
- St Helena: There are currently no suspected or confirmed cases of hantavirus on the island. A specialist UK public health team and military planners are on island to support contingency planning and laboratory testing.
- Ascension: There are currently no confirmed cases on Ascension. However, one high-risk contact has developed symptoms. Whilst initial testing results were negative, as a precaution planning is underway for a medical evacuation to ensure the best available care is available immediately should it be required. A family member of this person arrived in St Helena over the weekend and, after a full public health risk assessment, it is clear that there is no risk of hantavirus to this family member or the wider community in St Helena as a result of their arrival.
- Tristan da Cunha: One probable case has been identified in an islander who travelled on the MV Hondius. The individual is currently stable and improving. A small number of residents remain in self-isolation as a precaution.
Success of SOLAS Medical Evacuation
SHG wishes to highlight the success of a challenging Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) operation yesterday. A patient in critical condition arrived by ship and was successfully transferred to the Jamestown General Hospital.
SHG extends its sincere thanks to the Sea Rescue and Emergency Services teams for their efforts. The extraction of the patient from the vessel was a complex and difficult task, but thanks to the efficiency and professionalism of these teams, the patient was disembarked is now receiving the vital care they need.
This medical evacuation was successfully managed under our established maritime health protocols. While the MV Hondius case is an extremely rare and isolated incident, SHG continues to implement standard operating public health precautions for all visiting vessels. In line with international and local health regulations, all ships must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) and are subject to rigorous screening by Customs, Immigration, and Health officials before disembarkation. For further details on st Helena’s Maritime Health Protocols please refer to our updated Q&A https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/.
Cruise Ship Visit
The cruise ship, Azamara Onward, is expected to visit St Helena next Tuesday, 19 May, originally embarking on the voyage from Cape Town, South Africa. The visit will go ahead as normal and established maritime health protocols will be undertaken as per standard practice to ensure the continued safety of our community. While we are sensitive to the concerns of the public following recent events, it is important to note that the hantavirus case was a rare occurrence and an isolated incident. For more information on this please refer to our updated Q&A: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/
Pre-emptive Relocations
Following risk assessments by SHG public health professionals, guided and advised by the UKHSA, SHG is facilitating the pre-emptive relocation of a small group of higher risk individuals over the coming days to ensure they are closer to specialised medical care:
- From St Helena: A small number of individuals who travelled on the vessel have been assessed as “higher risk.” Though they are currently displaying no symptoms, they are being relocated to the UK to complete their isolation.
- From Ascension: Medical personnel who had close contact with a confirmed case are being relocated to the UK. A replacement medical team arrived on Ascension over the last weekend to maintain healthcare services.
Community Resilience and Preparedness
The arrival of additional personnel and medical kits is a matter of reassurance and does not indicate an increased risk to the general public, which remains very low. All cases identified to date have been passengers on the MV Hondius. The public are gently reminded that the virus does not spread through casual social contact.
Public Information
Daily updates and information radio sessions with Public Health professionals and other senior officials will continue until the end of this week. Frequency of updates for the following week will be reassessed and advertised accordingly.
The public are reminded to use official SHG channels for the most accurate information. The updated Q&A can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/.
If you had direct contact with the vessel and develop symptoms, please call the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #TristanDaCunha #EmergencyServices #SeaRescue
We understand that a high risk contact in Ascension has developed symptoms consistent with hantavirus. Initial testing for hantavirus was negative, from samples shipped to the United Kingdom, but further investigations are ongoing.
We also understand that a family member of this contact travelled to St Helena on Sunday 10 May 2026. This family member is not suspected to have been infected with hantavirus but has been asked to enter isolation as a precaution until the full testing results and details of the situation are confirmed. There is currently no indication of any additional risk to the wider population in St Helena as a result of this development.
This individual is part of a group of medical personnel on Ascension Island who had close contact with a confirmed case and had already been assessed as higher risk. As a precaution, plans are in place for their relocation. These arrangements are being kept under review to ensure they can respond to any change in clinical circumstances.
#StHelena #HantavirusResponse #Update
The St Helena Government (SHG) continues to provide daily updates to ensure the public remains fully informed on the Hantavirus response. Whilst the situation on-island remains stable, SHG continues working closely with the UK Government and international partners on regional logistics.
Medical Capability and Supplies
Following the arrival of the specialist medical team on Saturday, our enhanced laboratory and infection control capabilities are now improved.
The shipment of medical consumables received via the Airlink flight on Sunday has been integrated into our local stocks, ensuring the island is well-equipped for any potential needs. All individuals currently in isolation will continue to receive a daily check-in by a member of the Health team and we are in the process of ensuring all have access to a thermometer for daily temperature self-checks.
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
In accordance with our international maritime obligations, Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS), a patient from a passing cargo vessel, was successfully delivered to the General Hospital to undergo essential medical treatment for an identified medical condition. For the avoidance of doubt, the vessel began its voyage in Brazil and St Helena was its first stop. There is NO link to hantavirus. The patient was pre-screened remotely by our medical team and underwent further assessment before coming ashore, including temperature checks. All standard medical and public health protocols for visiting ships were conducted.
It is critical that we continue to deliver on our obligations; if we fail to do so we cannot reasonably expect reciprocal services in return. This operation poses no risk to the wider public.
Regional Updates: Tristan da Cunha and Ascension
In a continued effort to manage the situation across the Territory, several logistical operations are underway. The suspected case on Tristan da Cunha remains in a stable condition and continues to be monitored closely.
Pre-emptive relocation efforts are also in progress for a group of individuals on Ascension Island who had close contact with unwell passengers on the MV Hondius. As a precautionary measure, some have been successfully repatriated to their home countries to be closer to medical care and specialised support. The remaining individuals will be relocated to the UK.
Current Status on St Helena
- Case Status: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of Hantavirus on St Helena.
- Community Risk: The risk to the general public remains very low. The virus is not spread through casual social contact.
- Contact Tracing: The Health and Social Care Portfolio continues to review contact tracing data, with the majority of those initially identified now classified as low-risk.
Public Guidance and Support
Regular communication remains a priority. Radio talks featuring Public Health professionals and senior officials will continue on Wednesday and Friday of this week.
The public are reminded to use official SHG channels for the most accurate information. The updated Q&A can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Hantavirus-QA-11.05.26.pdf.
If you have had direct contact with the MV Hondius and experience a fever, muscle aches, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pains) please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance. Do not attend the hospital or clinics without calling first.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #TristanDaCunha #AscensionIsland #UKHSA
The seventh meeting of Ministers Question Time will take place on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 10am in the Council Chamber. This meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live via SAMS Radio 1.
The topic for this meeting is: Impact of Global Conflict and International Economic Instability on St Helena’s Essential Services, Supply Chains, Cost of Living and National Resilience.
A copy of the Order Paper will be published on the SHG Website on Tuesday morning, and can be accessed via www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/order-papers/.
