Manx schools to close tomorrow

Government conference on coronavirus latest

The Manx government has announced all Island schools will close 'to most pupils from the end of school day' tomorrow for the foreseeable future.  

Dhoon and Ballasalla schools will be shutting their doors tonight due to staffing pressures.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson says 'the government does not know how long schools will remain closed'. 

All 5 high schools and 9 primary schools with special education needs supports will remain open to offer care for vulnerable children and those with parents classed as 'key workers' critical to Isle of Man's COVID-19 response. 

A list of those considered 'key workers' will be published soon.

The nine primary schools which will remain open to provide this care for vulnerable children and those with parents classed as 'key workers' are listed below:

• Ballacottier
• Bunscoill Rhumsaa
• Henry Bloom Noble
• Onchan
• Peel Clothworkers
• Phurt Le Moirrey
• St John's
• Cronk-y-Berry
• Rushen 

The government is also working to ensure nursery care provision is available for all key workers. 

University College IoM will continue to provide a limited service to assist students completing their courses. 

The education department is working to assist school children in working remotely from home in order to support their educational needs, with schools putting together online resources and homework packs to support home educating. 

Chief Minister Howard Quayle, Health Minister David Ashford, and Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson spoke at the conference today (22 March).

The briefing was moved to 4pm from its earlier start time of midday.

There are now five confirmed cases of coronavirus on the Island, three of which were announced today with all those infected now self-isolating at home.

You can watch the conference again  via the Manx Radio Facebook page or on the Manx Radio youtube channel.

It will also be available to download as a podcast via the Manx Radio website.