Isle of Man Government News

Publication List 03.04.20

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:10:13 GMT

In accordance with the Orders and Regulations listed below, the most recent planning applications received and validated for publication are now available for viewing online including a link on which the site extents can be viewed via an online map.

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 24 April 2020.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Copies of the applications are also available for viewing at the Office of Planning and Building Control or via the appropriate Local Authority.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and enable assessment of parties for interested person status (as defined in the gov.im/interestedperson), persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Guidance on how to comment on planning applications is available at www.gov.im/planningcomment

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013

Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013

Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013

Amended by

The Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2019

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If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

Zero new coronavirus cases confirmed - 4pm 3 April 2020

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:14:29 GMT

Since the last update (10am Friday 03 April) there have been zero further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man remains at 114.

In total 109 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and four are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 1,243 concluded tests, 160 people are awaiting results and 151 are awaiting tests.

There has been one death caused by the coronavirus in the Isle of Man.

Nineteen new coronavirus cases confirmed - 10am 3 April 2020

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 10:07:15 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Thursday 2 April) there have been 19 further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 114.

In total 108 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and five are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 1,230 concluded tests, 104 people are awaiting results and 165 are awaiting tests.

There has been one death caused by the coronavirus in the Isle of Man.

Personal protective equipment for health and social care staff

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 17:37:05 GMT

A wide range of measures are in place to ensure health and care staff are protected in their vital work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government acts in line with the latest guidance from Public Health England which continues to be updated during the current outbreak. The latest advice on use of personal protective equipment (PPE) published on Thursday 2 April updates the appropriate use of PPE in four categories:

inpatient clinical settings
primary, outpatient and community care settings
ambulance staff, paramedics, first responders and pharmacists
additional considerations in areas where there is sustained transmission

Full details are available online.

Government is committed to keeping staff informed of any changes in guidance, including in the use PPE, and staff have today been advised what the latest changes mean for them.

Information and advice regarding PPE and social distancing in the workplace are regularly communicated across the Department of Health and Social Care, reinforced by managers and supervisors. Stocks of full PPE are on the Island and on order ongoing, to ensure that it is provided quickly to all who require it in health and social care teams.

Senior Infection Prevention and Control (IFP&C) professionals with responsibilities across the Isle of Man have led specific training in relation to PPE for health and care staff. This training is standard and consistent, is available and delivered both in person and online and has been increased since January in anticipation of COVID-19.

Sessions have been held in the hospital and in community settings to explain protocols and to demonstrate the correct way to put on and take off PPE. Additionally, consultants have visited staff groups around the hospital including housekeepers, porters and nursing staff, to explain best practice and answer queries.

Infection prevention training is a fundamental part of training for all healthcare staff, to ensure patient safety and minimise the risk of cross contamination.

Hospital and care staff have been advised on what is appropriate for their roles and provided with the necessary equipment.

The IFP&C team has set up a dedicated mail box to deal with staff queries. This will be reviewed on an hourly basis during weekday working hours, with the aim of providing an answer within two hours. Immediate or urgent queries are raised via a phone call or bleep to the team.

Stocks of protective equipment have been centralised to ensure they can be monitored and that health and social care staff receive the correct PPE at the right time, to offer the best protection.

Supplies continue to be ordered and received by DHSC, and while worldwide demand is at record levels at present, the department continues to work relentlessly on ensuring that there is no shortage in the Isle of Man.

Seven new coronavirus cases confirmed - 10am 2 April 2020

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:16:59 GMT

Since the last update (7pm Wednesday 01 April) there have been seven further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 75.

In total 72 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 1,077 concluded tests, 166 people are awaiting results and 160 are awaiting tests.

There has been one death caused by the coronavirus in the Isle of Man.

Twenty new coronavirus cases confirmed - 4pm 2 April 2020

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 16:12:05 GMT

Since the last update (10am Thursday 02 April) there have been twenty further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 95.

In total 90 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and four are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 1,147 concluded tests, 187 people are awaiting results and 126 are awaiting tests.

There has been one death caused by the coronavirus in the Isle of Man.

Maternity care reorganised to protect women and babies

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:18:32 GMT

Changes are to be made to the way expectant mums are cared for by midwives and the maternity service, to reduce the risk of infection from coronavirus.

In line with measures to prevent people attending hospital wherever possible, it’s proposed that most antenatal appointments are conducted in the community, rather than at Noble’s as at present. This would include a woman’s first appointment with the midwife, as well as subsequent routine check-ups and meetings during her pregnancy.

Some appointments will continue on a face-to-face basis at a GP surgery or other suitable venue, while others will be conducted by telephone, including conversations with an obstetrician where appropriate. Ultrasound scans, when clinically indicated, will take place at Noble’s Hospital and arrangements for women who need follow-up appointments and further scans will be made to suit individual circumstances.

The changes in the service follow UK NICE guidance for maternity care. Replacing face-to-face visits with telephone consultations and reducing non-urgent appointments are in the interest of patient safety, and will minimise coronavirus exposure risk during the current outbreak.

Lead Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Michelle Moroney said:

‘We need to continue to provide a safe and effective service for pregnant women on the Island and at the same time minimise coronavirus exposure risk. Regular maternity surveillance, to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby, will necessitate direct contact between healthcare professionals and women but many aspects of pregnancy assessment and planning can be conducted by phone.

‘Our aim is to continue to deliver effective care and at the same time, minimise direct contact. The danger of infection in pregnant women is probably low but still being understood and we would offer increased surveillance to ensure the on-going well-being of the baby for those women who have had coronavirus.

Mrs Moroney added:

‘Advice and help will be available as before only in different ways and settings. Women may for the time being, have less face-to-face contact with their midwife or obstetrician - although this is regrettable, telephone communication is an immediate and invaluable resource for delivering care and information.’

Details of the plan for maternity care are available online on the Government’s dedicated coronavirus website.

The information aims to reassure women, their partners and families that their needs will continue to be met.

Post-natal checks and baby clinics have also been reorganised, with home visits being replaced with regional clinics on a hub basis. This change aims to make best use of the district nursing and community midwifery teams, who are currently providing additional care and support to vulnerable groups in the community, as resources across the health and care system flex to meet unprecedented demand.

bus vannnin Service Update

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 16:26:19 GMT

bus vannin will continue to operate the COVID timetables available on www.bus.im until further notice. On Sundays the service will remain normal timetabled Sunday Service only.

As a reminder all buses are now cash free and we have set up some new stations to support with Go Card top ups listed in the table below, however a preferred way is to top up your Go Cards online by visiting www.bus.im/gocards. Please note Lord Street will NOT be open on Sundays, as previously advertised, this is due to lack of customer demand.

The £2 fee for a Go Card is temporarily waived and these can be picked up and topped up at the following locations:

Places that sell/top up cards	Updated Opening Hours
Places that sell/top up cards	Monday - Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Lord Street Old Police Station	08:00- 18:00	08:00-17:00	CLOSED
Port Erin Railway Station	08:00-16:00	CLOSED	CLOSED
Castletown Railway Station	09:00-17:00	09:00-16:00	CLOSED
Peel, Derby Lodge - (50 meters down from Town Hall)	10:30-15:30	CLOSED	CLOSED
Ramsey Bus Depot	06:30- 17:00	06:30- 13:00	08:30 - 13:00

Port Erin Railway Station will be closed for the sale/top up of Go Cards on Friday 3 April. We apologise for any inconvenience

Before travelling with bus vannin, ask yourself why you need to travel.

If it’s not for:

• Necessary food

• Health reasons

• Essential work

• Going to/from school (key workers’ children)

Then simply STAY AT HOME. Lives depend on it.

Five new coronavirus cases confirmed

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:22:38 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Tuesday 31 March) there have been five further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 65.

In total 63 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 920 concluded tests, 235 people are awaiting results and 191 are awaiting tests.

The first death caused by the coronavirus confirmed - 8pm 1 April 2020

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 08:41:34 GMT

Since the last update (10am Wednesday 01 April) there have been three further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 68.

In total 66 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and one is being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 1,014 concluded tests, 196 people are awaiting results and 189 are awaiting tests.

There has been one death caused by the coronavirus in the Isle of Man.

Eleven new coronavirus cases confirmed

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 10:01:11 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Monday 30 March) there have been eleven further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 60.

57 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and three are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 913 concluded tests, 148 tests are awaiting results and 185 people are awaiting tests.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – important notice to all taxpayers

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:32:22 GMT

In the forthcoming weeks there are a number of statutory deadlines approaching for the submission of tax returns whilst the issue of tax returns to all individual taxpayers normally takes place in early April each year.

The Isle of Man Government recognises the considerable pressures that the coronavirus outbreak is placing on all aspects of the everyday lives of individuals and business. It is therefore announcing a series of measures today which are intended to ease any concerns that you may have regarding the completion and submission of tax returns.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:

‘These are worrying times for all of us and it is vital that we take the appropriate steps so that no one is put under any unnecessary pressure to submit their tax returns in the forthcoming weeks.

‘Many of the officers in the Income Tax Division have been working tirelessly to maintain critical tax functions whilst others have been supporting the various measures we have put in place to provide essential financial support across our community.

‘I would ask that you should show patience in terms of the processing times of your assessments and enquiries over the forthcoming months, but would emphasise that priority will be given to those taxpayers who are entitled to the repayment of tax where it is abundantly clear that the current crisis is resulting in financial hardship.’

Full details of the measures being announced are as follows:

Individuals

Individual taxpayers or their agents who are registered users of Online Tax Services will receive their returns for the year ending 5 April 2020 as normal on or around 6 April 2020.

Paper tax returns for the year ending 5 April 2020 issued by post to individual taxpayers on or around 6 April 2020 will be delayed. The Division will review this postponement no later than 30 April 2020 and recognises that consideration may need to be given to extending the current deadline for their submission on 6 October 2020 (which would also apply to the returns made available online too for the same period).

Anyone who receives a return by this method and wishes to receive their return during April should either register for Online Tax Services or contact the Income Tax Division on +44 1624 685400 to request a paper copy but should only do so if it is absolutely necessary for them to complete the return early.

Where an individual has failed to submit their tax return for the year ended 5 April 2019 by 6 April 2020 a penalty of £200 would normally be issued. If the outstanding return is submitted no later than 5 June 2020 no further penalty will be issued.

The Division requests that anyone who submits their 2019/20 tax returns in the forthcoming weeks or who has not received their 2018/19 assessment must appreciate that there will be delays in the processing of your returns given the availability of officers during this challenging period. You should only contact the Division to request the urgent processing of your tax return where you are expecting a refund and suffering financial hardship as a result of the current crisis.

Employers

The deadline for employers’ tax returns for the year ended 5 April 2020 is extended from 5 May 2020 to 5 June 2020.

Companies

First penalties will not currently be issued for the non-submission of any company tax returns still outstanding and due to be submitted between 1 April 2020 and 5 June 2020. This measure results in the filing date for these returns being extended to 5 June 2020 in order to prevent the issue of a first penalty.

Second penalties will not currently be issued for late submission of any company tax returns still outstanding that would be liable to the second penalty between 1 April 2020 and 5 June 2020. If the returns are still outstanding at 5 June 2020 the second penalty will then be issued.

Retirement Pension forecasting

The processing of requests will be suspended until further notice.

Debt Counselling Service maintained during coronavirus lockdown

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:13:43 GMT

Island residents who find themselves in financial difficulty are being reminded that a confidential Debt Counselling Service remains available to them.

The service, run by the Isle of Man Government’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT), gives people the opportunity to talk to a specialist debt counsellor about their financial concerns.

Martyn Perkins MHK, Chair of the OFT, said:

‘We will maintain this important service for as long as we are able to do so during the continuing global pandemic but response times will inevitably be slower.

‘From a debt counselling perspective, the continuing extraordinary circumstances caused by COVID-19 may create a perfect storm.’

You can contact the Debt Counselling Service by emailing debt@gov.im, by calling +44 01624 686500 or through their website.

Further guidance on budgeting is available in a free booklet which is available by contacting the Debt Counselling Service or can be found online.

Coronavirus scams lead to Island warning

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:40:12 GMT

Isle of Man residents are being warned to be vigilant after a rise in coronavirus-related scams in the UK and on the Island.

According to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) scammers in the UK are using a variety of tactics including emails, social media, phone calls and text messages as they seek to benefit from the public’s fears and uncertainty over COVID-19.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said they have received several reports of scammers targeting Island residents on the phone and attempting to persuade them their money is not safe.

Martyn Perkins MHK, Chair of the OFT, said:

‘We ask that people remain vigilant and think about vulnerable or elderly friends, neighbours and family members – never give out your personal bank details over the phone.’

John Peet, Head of the OFT, added:

‘So far we are only aware of one phone scam which has targeted Manx residents, but if consumers in the UK are being targeted on the phone and online by unscrupulous scammers then it is inevitable that local residents will fall victim to the same tactics.

‘It would be exceedingly disappointing if anyone in the Isle of Man is considering scamming local residents as we are rightly proud of our community. The OFT will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught doing so and I’m sure that other enforcement authorities have adopted the same stance. I’ve dealt with scammers and rogue traders for many years now but for someone to scam people in these exceptional circumstances would be a new low for me.’

If anyone is concerned they have already been scammed they should contact Trading Standards/Consumer Advice on +44 01624 686500 or the police on +44 1624 631212.

Death in custody

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:43:08 GMT

This morning (Tuesday 31 March) a prisoner was found dead on F Wing at the Isle of Man Prison. The death is unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

Changes regarding the registration and regulation of Manx registered charities will come into force from 1 April 2020.

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:03:35 GMT

As a follow up to the Charities Registration and Regulations Act 2019 becoming Manx law last year, the substantive provisions of the Act, as well as the Charities Regulations 2020 will come into force on 1 April 2020. The implementation of the Act will impact on all Manx registered charities.

To date, the Attorney General's Chambers has published a series of Charities Bulletins and held a well attended seminar for charity trustees to explain the impact on charities, both existing and new..

With effect from 1 April 2020, the Attorney General will become the Charities Registrar, meaning that the register will then be administered by staff in the Attorney General's Chambers, rather than in the Central Registry.

Attorney General, John Quinn QC MLC commented:

'We live in a very charitably-minded community but we do need to ensure that the charities are regulated and administered accordingly. There are clear duties for trustees and charities which should make everyone's expectation easier to deal with.'

He continued

'While there is a need to apply the Act and work within the new regulations it is important that personal contact, which we know is valuable to both to the charities sector and to the general public is maintained.'

The Attorney General is very keen to continue to assist Manx charities so they have a clear understanding of the necessary governance issues and also to ensure that they are kept abreast of any changes or matters which arise which are of general interest to the charities sector.

Charities Bulletins will continue to be published on the charities information pages on the Attorney General's Chambers' website, once the current restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted, further seminars will be arranged, the dates of which will also be published on the website

Work is underway to publish all pertinent documents, including application and notification forms along with suggested templates for accounts and reports for use by smaller charities, on this website.

Any charity already on the register on 1 April 2020 which does not have a written governing document will have to adopt one by 1 April 2022. All charities affected by this will be contacted over the next few months.

For enquiries please contact the Charities Registration Officer, Wendy Joughin via charities@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 687318.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Information for DOI Tenants and First Time Buyers - 31 March 2020

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:39:57 GMT

Further to our bulletin of 24 March, we are updating you again in light of recent developments and guidance received from Isle of Man Government.

Over the past week we have taken steps to ensure that the majority of our workforce can work from home in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19. Please note we are still available to our customers but we have changed the way you can contact us.

The table below provides you with a list of essential housing telephone numbers and our emergency hours of business contact details

To make a rent payment by debit card	685540	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Maintenance repairs	685956	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Out of hours maintenance repairs	494012	after 4pm until 9am each weekday and 24 hours over weekends/bank holidays
Rent account queries or tenancy matters	687054	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
First Time Buyers	685442	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Housing Waiting List enquiries	686495	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm

It may be necessary for the person who takes your call to take your number and refer your query to a colleague who will then call you back.

Paying your rent

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent please contact us on +44 1624 687054 as a matter of urgency to discuss this with a member of the housing team. Alternatively, you can email housing@gov.im.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, people who receive benefits at the post office using a MiCard can now be paid directly into their bank account instead. For further details, please visit the Social Security website or call Social Security on +44 1624 685656.

We also encourage tenants to pay their rent by Direct Debit, you can request a direct debit mandate form from the Housing team.

Essential Maintenance and Repairs

As previously advised, we are prioritising essential work only within properties. This includes but is not restricted to:

Loss of electricity
No heating or hot water
Burst pipe(s) leading to flooding of your property
Toilets or drainage failing
Rain water ingress causing flooding of your property

If you are unsure about whether your request is an emergency, please call +44 1624 685956 and our maintenance team will assess the priority of the work.

If arrangements are made to carry out any works in your property, in order to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, please cooperate fully with our customer services and maintenance teams. This will include answering questions regarding your present household circumstance and practicing safe distancing within your home whilst maintenance works are carried out.

Other Services

Reduced housing administration services are now in operation and as a result processing times may be a little longer than usual for application forms and other routine tasks.

We will continue to work with all necessary precautions following the latest public health guidance, which is available on the COVID-19 website.

Zero new coronavirus cases confirmed - 4pm 31 March 2020

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 16:42:01 GMT

Since the last update (10am Tuesday 31 March) there have been no further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man remains at 60.

In total 57 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and three are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 913 concluded tests, 216 people are awaiting results and 139 are awaiting tests.

Launch of Strategic Capacity Scheme

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:28:52 GMT

The Department for Enterprise’s Coronavirus Strategic Capacity Scheme has been established to provide financial support to businesses in sectors of strategic importance, starting with registered tourist accommodation business that have been financially affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Isle of Man Government will be offering a tiered range of financial support, based on average revenue per room and occupancy rates, to the providers of certain serviced accommodation and, additionally, a fixed level of support for certain non-serviced accommodation which accounts for a workforce of over 800 people. This excludes B&Bs, temporary and permanent campsites and Homestay properties which by their nature do not have the same level of employment. Businesses must be registered with the Department for Enterprise in order to be eligible for support.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘Our tourism businesses have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel around the world grinding to a halt. Our tourist accommodation sector was one of the first to feel this impact and this new scheme has been extended out to them first in order to help them put their affairs in order and keep their businesses intact during an extended period with no income. This is especially difficult at this time of year with many businesses investing substantially in anticipation of the season opening.

‘We have been working closely with our tourism industry to understand the ongoing impact on their businesses and the best support we can provide to help them navigate this very challenging time. The aim of this assistance is to help sustain our important businesses during the ongoing difficult trading conditions with the intention that they will then continue to be able to operate following the end of the pandemic.

’We recognise that recovery will take a long time, with consumer confidence and booking lead times set to return gradually once the pandemic is firmly under control. Today we are announcing an initial payment to those businesses affected to help them pay outstanding debts to local suppliers while we gather further information about ongoing fixed costs and support needed to enable these businesses to survive with closed doors. We will continue to review and will consider providing further support in the future.’

Full guidelines for the scheme, information on eligible businesses and the application form will be updated on DfE's Coronavirus page.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 website.

Isle of Man Engineering & Manufacturing businesses come forward to support COVID-19 response

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:55:03 GMT

Engineering and Manufacturing businesses based in the Isle of Man have been stepping up to support the local and international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses active across sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, and ceramics have been turning their expertise to designing and producing essential medical equipment to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Examples of the ways Manx companies are helping the cause include:

Swagelok, international market leaders in valve design and pressure regulators, are producing component parts for respirators and ventilators for the global market.
Moynihans and Jantys are producing essential parts for medical face mask production lines in the UK.
Strix, RLC Group, and Cortech are providing direct engineering and manufacturing support to Noble’s hospital, including 3D printing of medical components and testing of face masks. In addition, they are progressing work with the ‘Charlotte Valve’ project, which progresses work started in Italy to enable full-face snorkel masks to be converted for use as emergency respirator masks during times of critical demand.
Henson Ceramics are designing and building an oxygen generator and Ozone steriliser which has been proven to combat SARS. This is being adapted to tackle COVID-19.

In addition, other local companies have offered design, prototyping, and manufacture support.

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK, commented:

’The Isle of Man has a proud history of innovative engineering and manufacturing and it is inspiring to see so many Manx businesses putting this expertise to use in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the Isle of Man Government and the Manx people, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to these organisations, and many others, who are going above and beyond to keep the Isle of Man’s medical facilities well-stocked and well-equipped to tackle this unprecedented threat.’

In the face of new demands and market trends, the Department for Enterprise has launched a Business Adaptation Grant, which will allow access to up to 50% match funding for businesses looking to adapt to provide alternative services in the current climate. Potential examples include alcohol producers switching to manufacture hand sanitiser and office businesses looking to expand work-from-home capability.