Hospital prepared if second wave of Covid-19 hits Island

Health minister faces questions as cases trickle in

The health minister says Noble's Hospital is prepared should the Isle of Man see a second wave of Covid-19.

As a small number of cases make their way onto the Island, David Ashford was asked to detail the health department's plans should we see a community spread like before.

Mr Ashford says the necessary measures are in place:

Meanwhile, an Island dentist says a second lockdown would be 'a dental health nightmare' should practices be made to close again.

When lockdown occurred earlier this year, it was the first health profession to close, and the last to reopen.

Mark Hepworth of Abbey Dental says people should contact their practice if they're nervous about returning for appointments:

You can hear more from Mr Hepworth's interview with Lewis Foster below:

Those carrying out eye tests on the Island are prepared to wear full PPE if coronavirus returns to the Manx community.

That's from local optometrist Ian Hodgson, who says opticians on the Island have stocks of protective kit should it be required.

Mr Hodgson says some precautions are being taken, but it's not directly affecting examinations: