Isle of Man records its highest ever number of Covid-19 cases
Report by Isle of Man correspondent Joshua Stokes
The Isle of Man has recorded its highest ever number of coronavirus cases - dating back to the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
The Manx Government said 59 new cases had been found in the community, making 163 in total. Two people are in hospital.
The figure was revealed at a media conference by the Government, after previous announcements that all construction was to stop and that all schools, nurseries and childminders' services were to close amid fears the virus is being spread rapidly in work settings and among young people.
The decision comes after a growing number of 'unexpected Covid-19 cases on the Island lead to a circuit breaker lockdown on Wednesday, 3 March.
The Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, said: “Whilst much of the opportunity for transmission has been minimised through the circuit break, there are still a number of settings where children are moving around outside of the home.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and is on the advice of Public Health and other professionals managing our response to this pandemic.
"I appreciate that it will present a challenge to our children and for a number of people who provide essential and indeed critical services for our Island but at the moment we feel this action is in the best interests of our young people and our community.”
WHAT IS THE ISLE OF MAN CIRCUIT-BREAK?
'Stay at home' - unless getting food, daily exercise, if you cannot work from home, or for a medical appointment or to be vaccinated or tested.
Two-metre social distancing returns.
Face coverings 'strongly advised' - mandatory on public transport
No household mixing.
All hospitality and leisure venues to close.
All non-essential retail to close.
Outdoor trades to continue.
Schools to close for majority of pupils.
Explaining the stopping of construction, a Government spokesperson said the sector must cease work for an initial period of two weeks from midnight on Friday, 5 March.
Tradespeople who work alone or with one other person outdoors only – such as window cleaners, outdoor painters, gardeners etc. – can continue to work provided the job involves no more than two people with full mitigations including masks and social distancing in place.