Things continue to move quickly as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is still wide reaching. It remains important that while things progress at pace residents act on the most up-to-date and relevant information.
Anyone arriving in the Isle of Man, anyone displaying symptoms or anyone living with someone displaying symptoms of the coronavirus should self-isolate.
This means you must:
- Stay at home
- DO NOT go to work or school
- DO NOT go to public areas, or attend public gatherings
- DO NOT use public transport or taxis
- DO NOT go to the shop(s) to buy food or other essentials
- DO NOT invite guests into your home
- YOU CAN go outside into your garden
If you need help buying groceries or other shopping, picking up medication or walking a dog you will need to ask friends or relatives.
Everyone else should consider social distancing and trying to minimise contact with other people. This means spending less time in public places, working from home where possible and avoiding unnecessary travel. This advice is especially important for those who are aged 70 and over or pregnant or with an underlying health condition.
Social housing tenants that are unable to pay their rent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic should notify the housing office as soon as possible. For those that are self-isolating and have an appointment booked with the housing or repairs team, please contact the housing office on 685955.
With effect from 23:59 tomorrow (Wednesday 19) all Residential Services directly provided by Adult Social Care will close to non-essential visitors, this will include:
- Resource Centres for Older People – Southlands (Port St Mary), Reayrt Ny Baie (Douglas) and Cummal Mooar (Ramsey)
- Dementia Care and Support Services – Thie Meanagh (including Sweetbriar) Douglas, Gansey Unit (Port St Mary), Langness Unit (Port St Mary) and Reayrt Skyal (Ramsey)
- All Learning Disability Residential Community Homes
- Day Services for Older People (Douglas, Onchan, Ramsey, Peel and Port St Mary)
- Dementia Day Care Services (Douglas, Ramsey and Port St Mary)
Adult Social Care is working with colleagues across all sectors to ensure that the appropriate level of support and need is identified and met.
Banks are ready to help support individuals and businesses during the pandemic and have announced they are providing assistance to businesses with loan repayment holidays and working capital assistance.
The Department for Enterprise has created a dedicated team to manage increased communication regarding COVID-19 measures, including a dedicated phone line (686455) to enable local companies to discuss concerns and potential support options for their business.
The team will be able to provide advice on the latest government support available, discuss concerns, and also provide direction on the Government’s £3,000 Coronavirus Business Support Scheme.
Manx Utilities is taking additional precautionary measures to ensure the continued safety of customers and staff, and the delivery of essential services. This will include stopping visits to premises for routine activities such as meter reading and routine meter changes. Manx Utilities has robust pandemic response plans and is increasing its testing of these plans. During the times when tests are taking place some business as usual services may be temporarily affected. Activities involving continuity of supply of electricity and water, sewerage collection and addressing of safety matters will continue.
Ramsey Cottage Hospital has today become the receiving centre for all patients with minor injuries. Serious injuries will continue to be dealt with at Noble’s Hospital Emergency Department.
Coronavirus posters and banners are in place at the airport and sea terminal and leaflets containing information of self-isolation are being handed out to all arriving passengers.
The following Villa Gaiety shows are postponed: Rob Beckett: Wallop, The Boys are Back, Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John, Romesh Ranganathan: The Cynic's Mixtape.
The following events are cancelled: Isle of Man Dance Teachers: Ballroom Dancing Competition, Debby Sargent’s Sports Seminar.
