PwC has recommended that the gov needs to tailor the support offered to businesses to their individual circumstances.
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Airport Vaccine Hub to be Scaled Back
As the borders open up and more people use the airport for travel, the vaccines will administered at Chester Street.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Level 2.5 to Stay in Place
The gov has announced that the current border arrangements will remain in place for the time being, to allow further monitoring of emerging risks. The COVID-19 Exit Framework allowed an initial change to Level 3 from 1 May 2021, and indicated a potential move to Borders Level 2 on or […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Moderna Vaccine Rollout to Begin in June
A first dose of Moderna vaccine will be offered to residents aged under 40 at a clinic on 14 June.
Read Time : 6 Minutes
Travel Agents and Tour Operators Looking Closer to Home
As the drawbridge creaks just those extra few inches and the island prepares to (hopefully) open back up on June 28, Gef has spoken to three travel companies about consumer confidence in coming to and going off the island. We previously spoke to Rikki Dunnage from Island Travel, Ged Power, […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Money for Closed Hotels but No Support for Hospitality Sector
As the gov unveils another round of salary support for businesses in the travel and tourism sector, hospitality business owners are still seeking gov support. The latest round of salary support covers the period April 25 to May 23 for businesses which can demonstrate a reduction in revenue of at […]
Read Time : 12 Minutes
Report Highlights Multiple Failings
The long awaited report into the February 2021 Covid-19 outbreak has found that the Steam Packet largely acted in good faith but found issues with both it and the gov’s handling of border regulations. The 94-page report was undertaken by Stephen Hind, the director of Treasury’s Audit Advisory division. The […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Border Level 2.5 Confirmed
Changes to the Isle of Man’s borders that were announced earlier this week will come into effect on Monday May 24. CoMin has reviewed the latest data and agreed that it is the right course of action. They will continue to monitor the situation closely. Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, […]
Read Time : 8 Minutes
IoM Gov Briefing 17th May
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Thanks for tuning in Two and a half weeks since our last show. A few cases are popping up but it’s manageable and explainable The virus is here to stay, we need to learn to live with it Change in approach means […]
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Emergency Advisory Group Members Confirmed
The EAG will provide independent advice to Tynwald.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Bordering on the Edge
The borders should be moving down to Level 2 by the end of the month, but the gov insists it is following data not dates.
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Committee Questions Cost of Testing
Speaker Juan Watterson said the gov was appearing to charge ‘market rate for something we were actually seeming to get a lot cheaper’.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
UK Gov Covid Briefing May 10
Boris Johnson, Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance outline what is next for Brits as the country unlocks.
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Civil Service Considering Regional Hubs
How and where we work in a post Covid world is starting to come into focus.
Read Time : 5 Minutes
Gef’s Daily Roundup
News from on and off island.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@jamesq
Read Time : 8 Minutes
Tynwald Backs Retrospective Isolation Changes and Testing Refunds
Members criticised the lack of clarity in gov documents, paradoxes in the iso requirements and a lack of compassion being shown to people needing to visit ill or dying family members.
Read Time : 5 Minutes
Packet Told Gov Crews Weren’t Isolating
The Steam Packet and the gov have very different recollections of who knew what and when.
Read Time : 5 Minutes
Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Saturday’s Border Changes
There’s a lot to go through, but most importantly, families can be reunited.
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IoM Gov Briefing 29th April
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Quite a few changes today – lots of detail to run through Numbers 15 results awaiting 0 new cases 13 active cases 2 hospital 1 ICU Dr Henny Reaffirming good news – no sporadic cases Suggested the group have not led to […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Firefighters Abused After Covid Cases
Crews across all stations will continue to wear additional personal protective uniforms for the foreseeable future as a precaution.
Read Time : 18 Minutes
The One Where the Chief Min Met PAC
A quick summary from yesterday’s PAC hearing with Chief Minister Howard Quayle.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Uni Students Can be Jabbed Here and in UK
The reciprocal health agreement means GP records can be shared, enabling students to receive doses in either jurisdiction.
Read Time : 2 Minutes
NHS App Could be Used to Prove Vaccine Status
Our reporter Sam Turton has downloaded the NHS app and registered his details with it and will provide an update as to the success of this later on today.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Iso Drops to 10 Days for Positive Cases
The iso period for travellers currently remains at 21 days, subject to testing allowing them to leave on day 14 if they receive a negative test result.
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 26th April
Howard & David Good afternoon everyone Numbers 16 results awaiting 1 new case – unknown source 13 active cases 2 cases in hospital 1 in ICU Howard Despite the emergence of the cluster of cases, the emergence of new cases this week are relatively low. Contact tracing is working to […]
Read Time : 9 Minutes
Debunking Vaccines With a Really Clever Doctor
Dr Jennifer Duggan, who works at the Southern Practice, to give us the low down on the vaccine.
Ad Feature by the Isle of Man Government
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Prison Visiting Suspended
The decision was taken following a risk assessment.
Image credit ITV
Read Time : 1 Minutes
All Adults can Register for Vaccine
Delivery of vaccines from the UK has become ‘uneven’ in recent weeks.
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 22nd April
Howard, Dr Al, Dr Henny, David Numbers 15 results awaiting 2 new cases from a known source 10 active cases 1 ICU patient – someone who returned from the UK with Covid Understand concern We knew we’d see some again, but hope we’d have a bit more time Additional cases […]
Read Time : 7 Minutes
Residents Voice Concerns Over Border Opening
Residents react to gov’s plans to lower the drawbridge.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Two New Cases Identified
Public advised to be vigilant and take precautions with new cases confirmed.
Read Time : 6 Minutes
Borders Should Open by End of June
The gov has tonight released the details of a gradual process which, subject to Tynwald backing the plan, should see the island’s borders fully open by July 1. It comes after Tynwald instructed CoMin to return with a more detailed exit plan in the March sitting and it includes warnings […]
Read Time : 26 Minutes
Edge and Allinson Dominate Committee Hearing
Committee hears from Education and Health Ministers alongside senior civil servants.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
PwC to Review Covid’s Impact on Island’s Economy
The PwC report will also include a 12 month forecast model for the domestic economy determining what ‘good will look like’ for the year ahead.
Image credit: Peter Killey – manxscenes.com
Read Time : 7 Minutes
Reflections on Home Learning
As Lockdown 3 draws to a close and schools prepare to reopen on Monday, father-of-two and journalist Paul Speller reflects on a year of on/off home learning and warns that there is much more to do before we can say the kids are alright.
Read Time : 5 Minutes
DHSC Responds to Dr Glover’s PAC Evidence
The DHSC has accused Dr Glover of breaching an agreement between her company and the department.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Visitors to Return to Care Homes
Manx Care run residential homes will welcome visitors from next week.
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Guernsey Plans to Reopen Border Next Week
The island will introduce isolation periods and a testing regime based on where people have travelled from.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Health Services to Resume
Standard infection prevention and control measures will be in place in all health and care settings and it will no longer be compulsory to socially distance or wear a mask.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Committee to Probe Lockdown Decisions
A decision has yet to be taken as to whether the committee will sit physically in the Legislative Council Chamber or remotely via MS Teams.
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 15th April
Howard, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Two hours late to the party as there was a lot of chat in Keys today Monday will be our 21st day without an unexplained case SIGNIFICANT Dr H & Numbers Twice incubation period = local elimination. Seeing a significant number of tests […]
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Cause of Person’s Death Yet to be Established
The Health Minister has issued a clarification after a person sadly died after having a Covid vaccine.
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Ashford Warns Against Jumping to Conclusions
Minister says it is too early to definitively link tragic death to vaccine.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Young, Hot and Getting my Shot
Based on the gov’s rollout schedule, every adult should have been offered their first jab by the end of next month.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Long Covid and ME
‘My GP is doing her best, but GPs need more support, more training and clear referral options.’
Read Time : 6 Minutes
Gef’s Daily Roundup
Some of the highlights of Tuesday’s news from across the island and around the UK.
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Get Ready to Open
The current number of active cases of Covid-19 on the island is 21.
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Immunosuppressed Households to be Given Jab Priority
Currently, individuals who have a weakened immune system and those on immunosuppressive treatment are receiving their vaccination through the priority four or priority six groups.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Time to Roll up Your Sleeves
Letters are in the process of being sent out to individuals aged between 40-49 and 30-39.
Read Time : 7 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 12th April
Howard, David, Dr Al, Dr Henrietta Well good afternoon everyone Numbers0 new cases30 active cases0 in hospital Shielding advice ended today but urging employers to speak to staff who have been shielding to prep for their return to work. Vax supply will be affected this week – down to supply […]
Read Time : 0 Minutes
No New Cases of Covid – 11th April
No new cases of Covid-19 detected in the last 24 hours
Read Time : 0 Minutes
One New Case of Covid – 10th April
One new case of Covid from an individual who travelled to the island and who was already in self-isolation
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Estate Agents, Hardware Stores and Playgrounds Set to Reopen
The next phase of reopening begins Monday.
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 8th April
Howard, David, Dr Al, Dr Henny A week on from the loosening of restrictions I know deckchair time has made a difference Since last week we have had 3 new cases, but they were all close contacts of known cases Active cases have dropped rapidly, yesterday it dropped below 100 […]
Read Time : 5 Minutes
Change in AZ Jab Advice will Delay Rollout
Dr Ewart: ‘The link between the small recorded number of clots and the AstraZeneca vaccine is not yet certain. If there is a link, the risk is incredibly small at around four cases per million people.’
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Boris is Taking Liberties
Why I think vaccine passports have their role to play for international travel, but anything else is an infringement on our liberty.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Manx Care CEO Responds to Boardroom Photo Anger
The picture was criticised for what some said was the ‘hypocrisy’ of the Manx Care team meeting when Chief Minister Howard Quayle had criticised private businesses and their employees for not working from home.
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Gef’s Daily Roundup
A busy day with Covid passports, Manx music and the World Snooker Championships making the news headlines.
Read Time : 3 Minutes
JCVI Recommends u30s are Offered Alternative to AZ Jab
Prof Lim from the JCVI said the decision was made ‘acting in the benefit of public safety and benefit’.
Read Time : 12 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 6th April
Howard, David, Dr Henrietta Well good afternoon everyone Hope you enjoyed the sun and caught up with loved ones I did, I took some cake to me Mum’s garden Numbers 1 new case – it is linked 109 active cases 1 in hospital Vaccines Continue apace All over 40 letters […]
Read Time : 6 Minutes
Boris’ Covid Briefing
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ducked and dodged committing to a Westminster vote on Covid Passports.
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 1st April
Deckchairing is back, and further updates on schools and construction.
Read Time : 8 Minutes
Through the Key Hole
Covid in schools, Treasury staff and the prom scheme feature in this week’s written answers.
Read Time : 10 Minutes
Ministers Quizzed on Impacts of Lockdown
Yesterday’s HoK Questions coverage continues – here, Ministers get quizzed on decision making and the impacts of lockdown.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Lockdown Diaries
We all know how lockdown has been for adults- but what about the kids? We’re wanting to hear from young people about their experiences for our new series, ‘Lockdown Diaries’. Whether lockdown has exposed that homeschooling is your thing, or that you’ve found a new passion stuck in the house. […]
Read Time : 5 Minutes
Covid Updates Due Thursday
The Chief Minister’s update to Tynwald on the Covid situation.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
All Care Home Residents Vaccinated
Residents at Springfield Grange were the final group to receive their set of jabs with the vaccinators delivering 36 second doses today.
Read Time : 7 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 29th March
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Sad news at the weekend. Two more members of our community died. Tragedy for the Island, thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones NUMBERS *snapshot* 8 new cases 469 active cases (DA corrects the number later in the qns to 391) […]
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Two Further Deaths from Covid
Two more members of our community have sadly died from Covid-19.
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Covid Passport to be Part of Vax Booking System
Expressions of interest are being sought for a vaccine booking system that could double as a Covid passport.
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Patient at Noble’s Hospital dies with Covid
A patient at Noble’s Hospital has sadly died with Covid-19. While the person died with the virus, it was not the primary cause of death. A total of 27 people have now died on our island with the virus. The gov has said that in future, deaths will be split […]
Read Time : 6 Minutes
Living With Long Covid
A group of long covid sufferers say help is available for anyone currently recovering from the virus. ME sufferers and long covid sufferers have recently been collaborating to raise awareness and improve healthcare for the conditions, which share many traits. Of the current outbreak on the island, it is possible […]
Read Time : 8 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 25th March
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Hope people have watched the emotional well-being session – highly recommend it Thanks to all involved NUMBERS 15 new cases 646 active cases 16 in hospital 3 in ICU David Few other bits while I’m here; Patients must wear a fluid-resistant IIR […]
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Business Support Scheme Pays Out
The Department for Enterprise says it paid out £2,293,000 to businesses through the Coronavirus Business Support Scheme on Wednesday. Opened on March 3, the scheme is designed to support businesses with their overheads during the March 2021 circuit break lockdown. The additional payment of £1,000 was paid to 2,293 businesses […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Many Still See Covid as High Risk Threat
Polling by a Guernsey based research group shows 70% of Manx respondents still see the threat from Covid as high or very high risk. This is in stark contrast to Guernsey and Jersey where only 26% of respondents still perceive it as high risk. It also puts the island above […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Deal Done to Fix Laxey Wheel
Manx National Heritage has agreed a deal with the Treasury which will see the Great Laxey Wheel repaired in time for the 2022 visitor season. The agreement provides funding for the emergency repairs to the mechanism of the wheel which will allow it to turn again and also brings forward […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
The Strain Is Showing
The strain of lockdown on people’s mental health is becoming evident as the police report they have received calls from people threatening to harm themselves. Superintendent Stephen Maddocks said that last week the constabulary received 16 calls related to mental health issues including one person who attempted suicide and 11 […]
Read Time : 9 Minutes
IOM Gov Briefing – 22nd March
Howard, David, Alf, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Alf is here today to share an update on the economy NUMBERS *David on Zoom with his Churchill book in the background 17 new cases 16 in hospital 2 in ICU Howard Frustrating to see unexplained cases The team are working […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Extra Support for Businesses
Businesses that voluntarily closed on the infamous weekend before lockdown will be given £250 in compensation, the Treasury has announced. It is part of further support announced by the Treasury to support those businesses, individuals and self-employed persons who continue to be impacted by the most recent lockdown. The existing […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Union Doubts Gov Sincerity
Unite the Union has said the gov’s comments about safety measures on its buses ‘are not done with sincerity’. Regional Officer Debbie Halsall was responding to comments made by Bus Vannin earlier today. She has said that drivers were told to clean down buses themselves and that Bus Vannin management […]
Read Time : 8 Minutes
Gov Economic Recovery Programme Q&A
There was a lunchtime business briefing today featuring Treasury Minister, Alf Cannan and DFE minister, Laurence Skelly The session also featured, gov chat show host, James Davis in a flashy studio setting The Economic recovery programme was launched last Summer, as part of the IoM financial fight back 6 work […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Bus Vannin Breaks Silence After Covid Outbreak
Bus Vannin says it ‘remains committed to the safety of its passengers and staff’ as up to half of Manx bus drivers are believed to be isolating following an outbreak of Covid-19 amongst staff. The statement from Bus Vannin contradicts claims made by Unite the Union and several drivers as […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Arts Council Launches Resilience Fund
The Arts Council has relaunched its emergency resilience fund for people and groups who contribute to the island’s creative arts community. This funding will be made available on merit to anyone working or taking part in the creative industries, culture and arts communities on the Isle of Man and should […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Tax Deadlines Extended
The Income Tax Division has announced the extension of various deadlines to ease concerns regarding their completion and submission: Individuals Where an individual has failed to submit their tax return for the year ended April 5 2020 by April 6 2021 a penalty of £200 would normally be issued. If […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Avoid Taking Unnecessary Risks When Exercising
People are being asked to avoid taking unnecessary risks when exercising in the countryside after three cyclists required hospital treatment due to separate accidents recently. The emergency services were called into action on each occasion with the inaccessible locations including coastal paths and plantations making rescue attempts more challenging. All […]
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Support Bubbles
Adults who live alone and lone parents and their children can now “team-up” with one other household when they feel they need support. CoMin agreed the change yesterday following the announcement that the current COVID-19 measures will stay in place until at least 6 April. A person living on their […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Gov Reminder About Vax Clinic For Adults With A Learning Disability
The gov is asking parents and carers of adults with learning disabilities to book them in to receive their first Covid-19 vaccination at a bespoke pop-up clinic taking place next week. The clinic – which will be located at the Department of Health and Social Care’s Greenfield Park/Tall Trees Day […]
Read Time : 12 Minutes
When Will It End?
The Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee – Prom Scheme Tim Baker DOI Minister Nick Black CEO DOI Main scheme delayed by January lockdown and ongoing circuit breaker ‘Need to focus in the main job and get that finished’ November feasible time to look at the Horse Tram The people […]
Read Time : 1 Minutes
Gov Says To Contact 111 When You Receive Your Vax Letter
The gov is asking people who receive their vaccination letter to contact 111 straight away and register for a COVID-19 vaccination by completing the online form or calling 111. Minister for Health and Social Care, David Ashford MHK, said: ‘To help our vaccination programme to continue at pace we are asking people […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Additional Measures At Prison To Protect Staff And Prisoners
Further measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus at the prison have been put in place after two officers tested positive for Covid-19. Both individuals are self-isolating with their households and the contact tracing team is in touch with members of staff who had been their close contacts. The […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Ramsey Bin Men Isolating
One of Ramsey Town Commissioners’ refuse collection teams are self-isolating after a positive Covid-19 test. One member of the team developed symptoms and subsequently tested positive for the virus. The other two crew members in the working “bubble” have been contact-traced, advised to self-isolate, and will also be tested. Due […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Ministers Face More Steam Packet Questions
Several of this week’s written answers in Tynwald, unsurprisingly, relate to ongoing Steam Packet issues. The issues raised ranged from legal advice to scheduling of services during the pandemic. The answers also included the terms of reference from the investigation ordered by the Chief Minister, however these can be found […]
Read Time : 8 Minutes
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 12th MARCH
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone. Sad news that another member of our community has lost their life to Covid-19 My heart goes out to family and friends. Sincere condolences The unhappy fact is that Covid has taken so many lives around the world We have now tragically […]
Read Time : 6 Minutes
Skelly – Our Brand Remains Strong
Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly has told Gef we have to keep our economy moving forward, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic. He said that every department has faced its challenges during the pandemic but that thanks to the island having a strong economy prior to the pandemic, we have […]