Isle of Man medical director claims initial Island Covid response was 'flawed'

Dr Rosalind Ranson speaking at a Covid-19 press briefing on 21st March 2020. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The Isle of Man's Medical Director has said the Island's initial response to Covid-19 was 'flawed', after claiming those leading the response dismissed her early concerns around coronavirus.

Dr Rosalind Ranson has been giving evidence to a Tynwald Committee, examining the Island's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Within it, she claims to have advised the government to close the borders 11 days prior to restrictions being implemented.

She also claims to have raised concerns around a lack of signage and announcements at the Isle of Man airport and ferry terminal in February, saying "to my horror it is still an issue in March".

When raising the issues with the Director of Public Health, Dr Ewart reportedly replied at the time saying the issue 'is not for her'.

KEY CLAIMS IN THE EVIDENCE

  • The first Isle of Man Covid-19 meeting took place on 4th February 2020.

  • The first Isle of Man Covid-19 test took place on 4th February after an individual travelled back to the Island from China - the individual was then asked to isolate but their family were not bound to any restrictions.

  • Concerns were raised around the lack of signage and announcement at the Island's ports in February - a month before anything was implemented.

  • When raising concerns with the Director of Public Health, Dr Ewart reportedly said the issue 'is not for her'.

  • Dr Ranson advised that the borders should be closed 11 days before they were closed.

  • Advice largely followed that of Public Health England, but Dr Ranson claims the advice was not effectively applied to the Isle of Man's situation.

The Isle of Man Government and the Department of Health and Social Care have been contacted for a response to these claims.You can read the report in full here.