Government introduces measures to combat spread of coronavirus

TT cancelled, elections postponed

The Isle of Man Government has introduced a raft of measures to try and prevent coronavirus spreading in the Isle of Man.

They were announced at a special media briefing just after 5pm on Monday

They are as follows:

• Anyone arriving in the Isle of Man from 11.59pm on Tuesday (17 March) will be required to take immediate action. Those displaying symptoms of coronavirus will be required to self-isolate for at least 14 days. Those not displaying symptoms of coronavirus will be required to self-isolate for at least 14 days, to eliminate the possibility they are carrying infection
• Those aged 70 and over or pregnant or have underlying health conditions are strongly advised to take extra care to prevent the possibility of being infected. More guidance will be issued shortly
• The 2020 Isle of Man TT is cancelled to protect the Island’s critical care services
• Schools will remain open
• Testing for coronavirus in the community will be stepped up with immediate effect
• Due to the measures being introduced on Monday, at this stage government will not be placing any restriction on public gatherings
• The government will be taking necessary steps to postpone both the 2020 local authority general elections and the Douglas South by-election until further notice
• A package of measures will be introduced by the Treasury to support the Island’s workforce and protect the economy
• In addition, both the Local Authority General Election and the Douglas South by-election have been postponed

As it stands, there are still no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man.

You can watch the full media briefing, which was broadcast live by Manx Radio, below: