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The Emergency Planning Department would like to advise that the St Helena Airport along with the St Helena Government (SHG) First Responders will be conducting a major incident exercise on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

This is a pre-planned training exercise to test emergency response procedures. During this time, members of the public may notice activity at Bradleys Camp and emergency vehicles (with blue lights) travelling between Bradleys Camp and the airport.

Please do not be alarmed — this exercise is not a real emergency.

Members of the public are kindly asked to stay away from the area if possible to allow the exercise to proceed safely and without disruption.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation while this essential training takes place.

Following the previous public announcement regarding the current outbreak, the Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) issues this advisory to provide clear and accurate information regarding the current increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, particularly concerning guidelines for returning to school and work.

About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

HFMD is a very common, usually mild, viral illness that primarily affects children. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, touch, and poor hand hygiene. The illness usually resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms generally include:

The severity of symptoms can vary widely, from a few blisters to a more unpleasant illness involving high temperature, muscle aches, and fatigue. Serious complications are extremely rare.

Management and Isolation Guidelines

Treating HFMD is the same as treating a common cold. There is no specific cure, however, simple pain relievers and fever reducers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) may help manage the symptoms.

It is important to note the following official guidance:

  1. Isolation is not required for infection control reasons. Isolation measures have not been shown to be effective in reducing transmission of HFMD.
  2. Return to school/work is determined by well-being:
    • If symptoms are mild and the individual feels well enough, they may attend school or work as normal, even if blisters are still present.
    • If the individual is too unwell (e.g. due to high temperature, severe sore throat, muscle aches, or significant fatigue), they should stay home until they feel well enough to return.
    • In the event of a widespread outbreak of a common illness there is no need to see a doctor for a sick note, even if they are off sick for more than three days. Please seek medical advice if you are worried about your child’s symptoms or medical well-being.

There is no need to wait for the rash to completely resolve before returning to normal activities if the individual is feeling better.

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier #HFMD

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The Highways Authority has granted approval for the temporary closure of the road from Bates Branch to Fairyland Junction in Blue Hill.

This essential closure is required to allow the Forestry Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Portfolio (ENRP) to conduct necessary tree pruning operations. These specific trees, located in the Cason’s area bordering the road, have been identified as posing a risk to public safety.

Closure Details:

All emergency vehicles will be granted access throughout the closure period.

We appreciate your co-operation and patience while this important work is carried out to enhance public safety. Please plan alternative routes during the specified times.

The Roads Section would like to inform the public of further upcoming essential resurfacing works scheduled to begin in November 2025. These improvements are vital for maintaining the quality and safety of St Helena’s road network and are UK-funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP).

With effect from Tuesday 4 November, the Roads Section will be carrying out slurry work with the micro paver on the eastern side of the island. Please note the following key closure details:

Schedule of November 2025 Roadworks
Road Closures Dates Daily Closure Time Diversion Routes
Tomb Road to Hutt’s Gate Tuesday 4 November to Saturday 15 November 2025 09:00 to 15:00 The Dungeon via Gordon’s Post

Haul Road
Bottom Woods to Longwood Gate Monday 17 November 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026 Haul Road
Longwood Gate to Hutt’s Gate Wednesday 28 January to Saturday 07 March 2026 Haul Road

These works will affect regular public transport routes and may impact Emergency Services response times during the daily closure hours. We are working to complete this project as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.

Please be aware that on certain days, road closures may extend beyond the scheduled hours depending on progress and weather conditions.

All motorists are advised to expect delays when travelling through or around these areas during working hours. Please exercise extreme caution and strictly follow all posted signage and instructions from on-site staff.

The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their co-operation, patience and understanding as these essential improvements are carried out.

Remembrance Sunday falls on 9 November 2025. On that day The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of St Helena, Dale Bowers will conduct a Divine Service at the Cenotaph. His Excellency the Governor  and Mrs Phillips will attend.

All persons wishing to take part in the Divine Service are asked to assemble at the Cenotaph by no later than 10:40.

It is on this day that we not only remember with gratitude those persons who fought and lost their lives in the violence of war but we also honour and pay tribute to those who served and survived these Wars.

A special place will be reserved at the Cenotaph for serving and ex-personnel as well as those who served on the old RMS St Helena during the 1982 Falklands War and it is hoped that many will attend the Service.

There will be a First Aid Station on the deck of Donny’s Place at the Seafront and those participating in the parade including spectators are welcome to make use of these facilities if required. You are also reminded to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before and during the Service; you may also need a sunhat if it is a hot day.

Please contact Crystal Maggott on telephone number 22470 at the Castle if further information is required.

SHG

27 October 2025

The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) wishes to inform the public that cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have been identified among children on the island.

Dr Peter Moss, Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Disease Specialist, explains: 

“Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection in children. It causes a rash on the palms, soles, and mouth, hence the name. It is not dangerous, does not cause serious illness, and has nothing to do with the animal disease ‘Foot and Mouth’.

HFMD is usually mild, and children recover within 7 to 10 days. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and small blisters or rashes on the hands, feet, or buttocks.”

The illness spreads through coughing, sneezing, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. Parents and caregivers can help limit its spread by:

People with signs and symptoms of HFMD do not routinely have to be reviewed by a Health Care professional. Parents should seek medical advice if their child is unable to drink fluids or develops a persistent high fever that does not respond to Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

The HSC is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates if needed.

The Property Service is undertaking an exercise to establish an accurate record of all containers and tenancies within the Container Park at Half Tree Hollow. This information is vital for the Property Service to consider possible next steps for the site.

All current users are required to contact the Property Service by Friday, 21 November 2025.

Required Information

Please provide the following details in your correspondence:

Contact Details

Please contact either of the following team members by telephone at 22270 or via email at:

Thank you in advance for your prompt co-operation in this important matter.

The Dental Clinic is committed to providing consistent and high-quality dental care to all residents. We value the dedication of our dental staff and their commitment to patient well-being.

To ensure staff are able to maintain a proper work-life balance and provide focused professional service during operating hours, we must respectfully request the general public to refrain from contacting Dental Services staff at their private residences for any dental-related issues.

Accessing staff through private channels outside of the official service hours is inappropriate and can disrupt their personal time.

All dental inquiries, appointments, or concerns must be directed through the official Dental Services contact numbers 25387 / 22500 (Jamestown Hospital).

Reminder of Official Working Hours

Our normal working hours are:

We kindly ask for the public’s full cooperation in respecting this policy and using the established contact procedures during the official hours listed above.

We thank you for helping us support our team and maintain professional standards of care.

St Helena Airport and Emergency Planning are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to participate in a major incident exercise to simulate an aircraft emergency.

The outdoor exercise will take place on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, from 08:00 to 13:30 at the St Helena Airport.

Volunteers are needed for the following roles:

•Role playing of injured passengers

•Distraught family members and other bystanders

Please be aware that this event may be emotionally and psychologically demanding for volunteers.

Lunch will be provided and transport on request.

Volunteers interested in this unique opportunity can contact Marc Fowler by telephone on 25180, or via email at marc.fowler@sthelenaairport.aero by 31 October 2025. Alternatively, contact Anel O’Bey on 25052 or email anel.obey@helanta.co.sh

Advice relating to entry of the St Helena Airport and clothing requirements will be discussed when volunteers make contact.

The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay on Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 06:00. Weather permitting the vessel will dock alongside Rupert’s Jetty and cargo operations will commence as soon as practical.

The public are therefore advised that the whole of Lower Rupert’s including the beach area, will be closed from 06:00 on Tuesday 21 October 2025. During this time the port will be in Security State Level Three and will remain until all cargo operations are completed and the vessel has departed.

Access into the port will be strictly prohibited and will be limited to authorised personnel and those persons who have made prior arrangements with St Helena Port Control.

The public are thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.

SHG

16 October 2025