Isle of Man Government publishes 'medium-term response' to coronavirus in exit strategy document

Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The Isle of Man Government has published details on its 'medium-term response' to coronavirus in an exit strategy document.

Three overarching stages have been outlined, forming part of the Manx government's aim to return the Island back to normality.

These have been titled 'Stay at Home', 'Stay Safe' and 'New Normal'.

Following certain sectors returning to work from Friday 24th April, the Island has now entered the 'Stay Safe' stage.

This involves being allowed to leave home for some work and for non-essential activities, providing social distancing measures are maintained.

Individuals will continue to not be allowed to gather with people outside of their household, including visiting friends and family at their home.

Additionally, the all-island speed limit of 40mph will remain in place for the time being.

The reopening of the Isle of Man borders will be one of the final stages of the exit strategy, which will be dependent on the condition of the UK.

A 'Phased Approach'

Within the 'Stay Safe' stage, the government has broken down when each sector will return to work in six progressive phases.

  • Phase 1 - Construction sectors back to work/no time limit on how long you can spend outside.

  • Phase 2 - Restoring non-essential retail shops and services.

  • Phase 3 - Cafes and restaurants to reopen.

  • Phase 4 - Lifestyle and tourism businesses to reopen.

  • Phase 5 - Bars and nightclubs to reopen.

  • Phase 6 - Borders to reopen, dependent on the state of the UK.

Phase one of the plans started on Friday 24th April when some sectors were allowed back to work.

The Chief Minister has previously stated that every decision being made is guided by input from clinicians.

After each new measure has been put in place, there will be an assessment period between eight days and two weeks to assess whether changes are required.

Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, met with the Council of Ministers on Saturday 2nd May to finalise details of the strategy.

It is a document that will continue to be reviewed as the pandemic continues.

A debate will be held on the document in Tynwald on Tuesday 5th May amongst members of the Isle of Man parliament.

The next time a further announcement is due will be on Thursday 7th May.

The full 'Stay Safe' document can be found here.