Dear Friends,
I am sure that we are all by now aware of the challenge we face following confirmation today by the South African authorities of the presence of the Andes variant of the Hantavirus aboard the vessel MV Hondius. We are now responding to a crisis none of us would have wished.
The resilience of our communities has been tested before and I am proud once again of the calm, measured and proportionate response we are seeing across the Territory in difficult times. Those responding directly warrant especial thanks.
I know that information is key in these moments both to share what is known and to reassure. The three governments in the Territory have already issued detailed and coordinated Public Health information. They will continue to do so. I would reiterate that from the outset all have acted with an abundance of caution.
I am acutely aware that the vessel and its passengers is currently the subject of global news interest. Among our communities, there is intense social media activity. This is understandable. Yet we must also be cautious of potential fallibility, as the recent global misreporting of the death of Jonathan the tortoise so clearly revealed.
The Public Health information we have issued is the best available, drawing not only on the experience of our talented local experts, but also that of the UK Health Security Agency.
I am confident that we will confront this challenge together. To help achieve that, the governments will keep the public informed with a regular rhythm of information. Every effort will be made to ensure it is your trusted source.
I am grateful for your fortitude and continued support.
HE Governor Nigel Phillips
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