Preparations for coronavirus continue

Extensive preparations have been made by Isle of Man Government to be ready for any cases of coronavirus which may arrive here. Plans to deal with an outbreak of an infectious disease within the community have been discussed by senior officers across government and all relevant actions are being undertaken.

The Public Health team is continuing to monitor the latest information and advice on coronavirus, based on guidance from Public Health England. This is updated daily on the UK Government website which can be accessed by Island residents alongside additional local information for those concerned about friends or family, on the Isle of Man Government website.

There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Island.  Any patients whose symptoms match the criteria set by Public Health England for further investigation are being tested for coronavirus infection.

The UK Chief Medical Officer has assessed the risk level as ‘moderate’ after the World Health Organisation declared that this is a public health emergency of international concern. Currently eight cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK.

Travel advice remains under review as the situation develops. People returning to the Island in the last 14 days from mainland China, Thailand, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau and who experience a cough, fever or shortness of breath should avoid contact with others, stay indoors and phone their GP or the Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS). They should not visit the Emergency Department at Noble’s or Ramsey Cottage Hospital in person.

The UK Foreign Office has advised against ‘all but essential’ travel to mainland China and has recommended that British nationals should leave the country if they can, to minimise their exposure to the virus.