September estimate for removal of border restrictions

Quayle outlines exit framework in Tynwald

The chief minister has outlined a three stage process for the removal of coronavirus restrictions and the Island's return to normal.

Government estimates the current response will remain unchanged until the end of next month, with changes to borders expected between May and August.

It's before the final 'release phase', which Howard Quayle says may come in September when all the population is due to have vaccinated or offered a jab. 

He gave Tynwald details of an 'exit framework' for changing government's covid response from one of elimination, to living with Covid-19.

The document will be made public later today, and will appear as a motion for debate in Tynwald later this month.  

You can listen to part of Mr Quayle speech below:

Based on the chief minister's comments to the Court the three key stages are:

1. Preparation - estimated period: 'All of March and much of April'

During the preparation stage the Council of Ministers expects to see little change in the measures it currently has in place as it awaits a reduction in UK cases. 

Howard Quayle said government will 'ready itself for the changes to come' and press ahead with the vaccination programme. 

Government says it will lay the groundwork for 'more profound changes' due in the next phase.

A return to allowing friends and family to visit, with controls in place, alongside allowing return residents back is also being considered. But with much of the population still not protected by vaccinations, any outbreaks will be dealt with by a 'strong' response to ensure health services aren't overrun. 

2. Transition – estimated period: ‘May – August’

Measures will be adjusted at the borders as the threat posed from UK reduces and as the proportion of the vaccinated population grows.

It’s expected major vaccination milestones will have been met, like in May, where all adults will have been offered a first dose, June where all priority groups should’ve received the second dose and July where the second dose will have been offered to all adults. It will leave the Island’s young people still yet to have had a jab. 

3. Release – estimated period: ‘September’

By this stage it’s hoped government will have a better of idea of how effective vaccines are. 

The focus will be on having a plan for winter in place as well as removing any remaining border restrictions.

You can read the full exit framework document here.