Two additional locations have been identified which could pose a low risk of contracting COVID-19 for people who visited at specific times.
It follows yesterday’s announcement of an individual testing positive for COVID-19 after completing their 14 day period of self-isolation. As their isolation was complete, they were free to go about their business and visited the following locations on the dates and times specified:
Thursday 24 December 2020
9pm to 10pm – the casino at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino, Central Promenade, Douglas
Monday 28 December 2020
8:15 pm to 9:45 pm – the casino at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino, Central Promenade, Douglas
Tuesday 29 December 2020
1pm to 3pm – Robinsons, Cooil Road, Braddan
It is important to stress that the risk to the general public is low. If, however, anyone who has visited or was working in any of the locations during the relevant time period goes on to develop symptoms of COVID-19, they are encouraged to self-isolate and contact the COVID-111 service immediately. The service is open from 8am to 8pm each day. People who have been at the venues but have no symptoms are not being asked to contact COVID-111 at the present time.
Dr Henrietta Ewart, Director of Public Health, said:
'I remain confident that the risk to the public is small, but as a community we must be vigilant. If you visited the locations specific and feel as though you may have COVID symptoms, please self-isolate and call the COVID-111 service.
'The response is proportionate to the level of risk to the public, but the situation is being kept under review by Public Health.'
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a temperature of more than 37.8C (100F)
- OR, a new and persistent cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (for people who usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- OR, anosmia – this is the loss of or a change in someone’s normal sense of smell, which can also affect sense of taste as the two are closely linked
Dr Ewart continued:
'I would encourage the whole community to remember and practise the basics of good hand and respiratory hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cough or sneeze, do it into a handkerchief, tissue or the crook of your elbow, then wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.'
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in the Isle of Man remains at seven.
