I recognise this is an anxious time, particularly for those feeling vulnerable or concerned for loved ones. Please know that your wellbeing remains our absolute priority.
At this time, there are no symptomatic individuals or suspected cases on St Helena. Public Health continues to advise that the risk to the wider community remains very low.
On Ascension, there are currently no confirmed cases, although one high-risk contact has developed symptoms. As a precaution, plans are being progressed for a medical evacuation should this become necessary.
On Tristan da Cunha, one probable case has been identified in an islander who travelled on the MV Hondius. We continue to keep the people of Tristan very much in our thoughts, and we wish the individual a full and speedy recovery.
Our Public Health team continues to implement a well-established prevention and response programme alongside the UK Health Security Agency, supported by additional medical expertise and specialist personnel who arrived over the weekend.
We have much to be grateful for. Our local medical teams acted quickly and responsibly in reporting the unusual cluster of illnesses to international authorities before Hantavirus had been confirmed. This early action enabled vital international preparedness at an early stage.
I would like to thank our Public Health teams, UK partners, and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes across our Territories. Much of this work is unseen, but it is vital to protecting our communities and is being carried out with immense dedication.
Please continue to rely on official updates from St Helena Government and Public Health, and avoid speculation or the sharing of unverified information online.
During periods of uncertainty, words matter, and relying on confirmed facts ensures that decisions and community discussions are guided by the best available scientific and public health advice rather than hearsay. During uncertain times, calm, compassion and responsible communication matter greatly.
As we recently celebrated David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, we are reminded of the importance of humanity, compassion, and our shared responsibility for one another. We are a resilient community that looks after its own, and we will continue to face this challenge together, calmly and responsibly.
