The Isle of Man is to close its borders to non-residents from 9am on Monday 23 March 2020 to help contain the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. This measure is based on clinical advice.
Only people resident in the Isle of Man will be able to enter the Island, with checks being made at the air and sea ports.
The only exceptions to this rule will be a small number of people who may be vital to keeping the Island running or to the protection of life. These people will require prior clearance from the Chief Secretary and will be subjected to a careful set of infection control protocols while they are on the Island.
The Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, said:
'I – and my colleagues in the Council of Ministers – have listened to the latest clinical advice and believe that now is the right time to move to the next stage of our plan to contain the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus in the Isle of Man. This includes closing our borders to anyone who is not normally resident here.
'People who live on the Island will be able to return home, and will be required to adhere to the new law on mandatory self-isolation for 14 days, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
'I want to be absolutely clear that the flow of freight and fuel between the UK and the Isle of Man will continue as normal. There is plenty of food and other supplies for everyone. The Island will continue to receive all necessary supplies, including food, medicines and essential medical supplies. There is no need for anyone to panic buy or stockpile. We need everyone to act responsibly. Buy only what you really need.
'Global travel has been severely disrupted by the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus and the number of non-residents coming to the Isle of Man has dropped dramatically in the past week. This measure sends a clear signal however, that anyone who is not normally resident in the Isle of Man will not be permitted to travel here until further notice.'
