Manx Care says team meeting did not breach Covid-19 rules

Photograph on Twitter sparks concern

Manx Care has defended itself after a picture of senior leaders meeting in person in a boardroom caused alarm online.

The organisation – which launched a week ago today – says the gathering did comply with Covid-19 regulations. 

The photograph, which was shared on Twitter by the chief executive, showed the first executive management team meeting. 

At least eight people, all wearing masks, could be seen gathered around a boardroom table. 

It sparked concern that those involved were breaching current regulations and the image was later deleted. 

In a statement issued to Manx Radio Teresa Cope says she's sorry if the image caused ‘concern’ but appropriate measures, including the use of medical grade PPE, were taken. 

The statement in full reads:

"During both Covid-19 outbreaks this year myself and other senior health and social care leaders have made a conscious and unanimous decision to attend work in person.

"It is important that we are both visible and available to support our colleagues working on the frontline in our Island’s fight against this virus.

"On a daily basis we have been providing much-needed support to our frontline teams who have faced an unprecedented level of demand and are working in both clinically difficult and extreme circumstances.
 
"Manx Care’s executive leadership team met yesterday (6 April) in the large and well ventilated boardroom at Noble’s Hospital.

"Everyone present wore medical grade PPE throughout the meeting and maintained a safe distance at all times.
 
"As essential workers, in a health and social care setting, the meeting complied with the Island’s COVID-19 regulations.

"However I am sorry if this causes any concern but can assure people that all appropriate measures were taken, the large majority of meetings are held virtually and we will continue to do so until Covid restrictions are lifted. 
 
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our dedicated health and social care colleagues who have been working incredibly hard to maintain essential services for Manx residents and deliver an exceptional response at this time."