Two further cases of Covid-19 confirmed on-Island

Chief minister announces planned easing of measures

There have been two further confirmed cases of coronavirus on the Island, taking the overall total to 329, with 40 active cases remaining.

3,625 tests have been undertaken, with 3,599 returned, and 26 outstanding.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle, speaking at the latest government media briefing, said none of the recent cases related to the construction and horticultural sectors, which returned to work a fortnight ago.

Mr Quayle then announced a string of changes to current measures, as agreed in principle by the Council of Ministers today, starting with the retail sector:

Mr Quayle also announced a further series of potential changes:

For example, those classed as vulnerable because of their health will be allowed to go out for exercise, and the restarting of non-essential health services is being explored.

Garden centres will be allowed to reopen from Monday, with on-site cafes restricted to takeaway only.

The chief minister made some announcements to certain sectors, as follows:

Businesses, particularly those which are office-based, must continue to enable staff to work from home, wherever possible. 

Sporting associations should continue to work with government to demonstrate, through robust risk assessments, how they aim to operate in a safe manner. 

Indoor sports are not permitted to resume and gyms are to remain closed. 

Education hubs will be expanded to accept children of workers in sectors permitted to resume activity. This will be implemented in close collaboration with teachers and other schools staff to ensure the environment is safe for them and the children.

University College Isle of Man will commence a phased return in certain disciplines, where it is safe to do so. 

And it's also possible restrictions on pleasure craft and small private planes will be relaxed.

You can find government's announcements on its bespoke coronavirus web page.