'No lack of truthfulness' over SPC self-isolation requirements

Company disputes Public Health Director's claims

The Steam Packet says there's been absolutely no 'lack of truthfulness' in its discussions over self-isolation requirements for Manx based crew.

It follows comments made by the director of public health over the timing of alleged isolation breaches being uncovered.

Dr Henrietta Ewart was quizzed, by Manx Radio’s Alex Wotton, over her claims that the operator failed to disclose its protocols:

Chief executive Mark Woodward has told Manx Radio he disputes her timeline of events saying a meeting she claimed to have attended on 25 January actually took place on 3 February.

That gathering, the Steam Packet says, was called to discuss individual isolation requirements for a Manx based captain.

Claims that no one at the meeting disclosed that Manx based crew did not isolate have also been branded 'incorrect'.

Mr Woodward told Manx Radio: "Steam Packet staff and other attendees at the meeting, which included representatives from DoI, clearly remember this being discussed. 

"It has always been the company’s understanding, as communicated in various emails to government, that Manx based crew who do not leave the ship while undertaking their normal round-trip duties do not need to isolate on return to the island.

"This fact has never been hidden from anyone. 

"The chief minister, health minister and the director of public health herself have been in receipt of emails from the company which clearly state that Manx based crew are able to mix freely in the community while off-duty. 

"The company has implemented strict protocols on board to mitigate the risk of transmission both between resident and non-resident crew and between crew and passengers."

The statement adds: "There has been absolutely no 'lack of truthfulness', speculative or otherwise, on behalf of the Steam Packet Company."

Earlier this week Dr Ewart also gave evidence on a number of Covid-19 issues at the Public Accounts Committee of Tynwald.