The DHSC has accused Dr Glover of breaching an agreement between her company and the department.
Visitors to Return to Care Homes
Manx Care run residential homes will welcome visitors from next week.
Guernsey Plans to Reopen Border Next Week
The island will introduce isolation periods and a testing regime based on where people have travelled from.
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.
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.
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 […]
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.
Ashford Warns Against Jumping to Conclusions
Minister says it is too early to definitively link tragic death to vaccine.
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.
Long Covid and ME
‘My GP is doing her best, but GPs need more support, more training and clear referral options.’
Gef’s Daily Roundup
Some of the highlights of Tuesday’s news from across the island and around the UK.
Get Ready to Open
The current number of active cases of Covid-19 on the island is 21.
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.
Time to Roll up Your Sleeves
Letters are in the process of being sent out to individuals aged between 40-49 and 30-39.
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 […]
No New Cases of Covid – 11th April
No new cases of Covid-19 detected in the last 24 hours
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
Estate Agents, Hardware Stores and Playgrounds Set to Reopen
The next phase of reopening begins Monday.
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 […]
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.’
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.
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.
Gef’s Daily Roundup
A busy day with Covid passports, Manx music and the World Snooker Championships making the news headlines.
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’.
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 […]
Boris’ Covid Briefing
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ducked and dodged committing to a Westminster vote on Covid Passports.
IOM Gov Briefing – 1st April
Deckchairing is back, and further updates on schools and construction.
Through the Key Hole
Covid in schools, Treasury staff and the prom scheme feature in this week’s written answers.
Ministers Quizzed on Impacts of Lockdown
Yesterday’s HoK Questions coverage continues – here, Ministers get quizzed on decision making and the impacts of lockdown.
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. […]
Covid Updates Due Thursday
The Chief Minister’s update to Tynwald on the Covid situation.
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.
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) […]
Two Further Deaths from Covid
Two more members of our community have sadly died from Covid-19.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Islander Dies from Covid
A patient at Noble’s Hospital has died of COVID-19. This is the first death from the virus in the Isle of Man since 5 November 2020. It takes the total number of people to have lost their lives to the virus on the island to 26. Chief Minister, Howard Quayle […]
Amenity Sites Will Reopen As Soon As Possible
A joint statement has been issued on behalf of the operators of the island’s four civic amenity sites in response to questions about whether they should be closed during the latest lockdown. It reads: ‘The four civic amenity sites take very seriously the ongoing pandemic and have collectively worked together […]
Steam Packet Company Announces Changes To Weekend Schedule
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced a change to its sailing schedule this weekend due to COVID-19-related matters. All of the Ben-my-Chree’s scheduled crossings for the next 24 hours have been cancelled. This includes today’s (Friday 12th March) 08.45am and 7.45pm to Heysham, and the return […]
IOM Gov Update – 11 March
Howard, David, Dr Al, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Hope you’ve looked at the Exit framework, a clearer understanding of the road ahead A point on data – I know people are carefully following numbers I know there is a wish to see more, there is a dashboard coming […]
Steam Packet ‘Debacle’ – a Constitutional Crisis?
A senior advocate has said that the ongoing row over the state owned Steam Packet and isolation rules for its crew raises issues around the separation of powers and possible breaches of the Government Code. Ian Kermode, who is the sole practitioner from his Court View Chambers, has also written […]
Exercise Rules Changed for Some in Isolation
The gov has revised the rules around exercise for people who are in certain types of self-isolation. The review reflects the challenges some people could face where the virus spreads amongst members of a household, resulting in the self-isolation period resetting with each new case, and therefore lasting for a […]
Gov Hints at New Air Bridges
With today’s announcement that the Classic TT and MGP have also fallen victim to Covid, the gov has hinted towards new air bridge links for the island. Last year of course an air bridge linked the Isle of Man with Guernsey, which allowed Manxies and Guerns to swap islands and […]
MGP and Classic TT Red Flagged
The Gov has confirmed that this year’s Classic TT and MGP races have been cancelled. The races were due to run from Sunday August 22 to Friday September 3. Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly said: ‘Despite the undoubted progress that the Isle of Man and the UK are making in rolling […]
Travel Agents Respond to Exit Strategy
Manx travel agents and tour operators have welcomed the potential opening of the borders in September, with hopes still alive for a late summer escape or making getaway plans for 2022. The gov’s exit strategy, which was published on Tuesday, points towards a full opening of our borders by September. […]
People Not Told Their Appointments Were Moved
People are reporting they have been turned away from the Chester Street vaccine hub, despite having an appointment for their second jabs. Second doses at the Chester Street hub were moved back from their original dates, with the DHSC saying those affected were sent letters confirming this. However, some people […]
Packet Will Transfer Southern 100 Bookings
Following the announcement that the Southern 100 has been cancelled, the Steam Packet has confirmed that affected passengers will be offered the opportunity to transfer their booking or receive a full refund. From Wednesday 10th March, customers affected by the cancellation of the road race event will be able to transfer […]
Exit Strategy Published
Nearly a year after the pandemic began, the Manx gov has now published its proposed exit strategy, which will, in time, lead to the opening of our borders. The document itself is just under 30 pages and consists of a history lesson, a look at where we are, and the […]
Southern 100 Cancelled
Not a major surprise, but still a major disappointment as the organisers of the Southern 100 have confirmed the races have had to be cancelled again this year. This decision means only the Manx GP and Classic TT have not yet been formally cancelled, but it is widely expected this […]
Tynwald Questions on HQ’s Exit Strategy
The Chief Minister has presented his gov’s exit strategy to Tynwald, including plans for the vaccine rollout and border openings, but it’s done little to quell rebellion on the back benches.Explanation and analysis of the strategy will be released at 4pm today. Mr Robertshaw – One point to raise, we […]
HQ’s Exit Strategy To Tynwald
Tynwald kicks off with President Steve Rodan reading a message from Lord of Mann, Queen Elizabeth II HQ statement: Almost a week since we entered a third lockdown, thanks to all the public for playing their part. Only time will tell, a critical moment in this outbreak. Cases at a […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 8th MARCH
HOWARD, DAVID, DR AL, DR HENNY WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE NUMBERS 1 RESULT AWAITING 56 NEW CASES 369 ACTIVE TOTAL 8 IN HOSPITAL 1 ICU SNAPSHOT AS ALWAYS, MAY INCREASE AS THE DAY GOES ON HOWARD WE’RE TESTING LOADS OF PEOPLE AROUND 14% ARE COMING BACK POSITIVE DR HENNY OF […]
Register For Jabs Online
Members of the public who have received an invitation letter, can now register for their COVID-19 vaccination online via covid19.gov.im/vaccine. People will then receive either an email, letter or phone call to confirm their vaccine appointments. The online form, which Gef called for last week when it became clear that […]
Clarity For Students
Manx students will not sit regular exams this year, with GCSE and A-Level grades to be determined by way of school assessed grades. It had already been confirmed that students across the UK would not be sitting summer exams, but the situation for Manx students was less clear as the […]
If You Have Symptoms, Call 111
Anyone with symptoms is asked to contact 111 immediately. Do not assume the symptoms are something else. The Contact Tracing team are continuing to work tirelessly through the significant number of close contacts of those who test positive for the virus. They are asking people to be patient whilst the […]
81 New Cases as Over 600 Tested
Cases of Covid-19 have continued to rise on the island and six people are now being treated in hospital. A further 81 cases were confirmed after testing on Saturday meaning the total number of active cases now stands at 315. More than 1,000 people are currently in self-isolation – with […]
Schools to Stay Shut Monday
Hub schools, nurseries and childminders will not reopen on Monday. The Council of Ministers have reviewed the situation this morning, and have made the decision to extend the firebreak closure of schools, nurseries and childminders to help stop the spread of the virus, particularly amongst the Island’s young people. There […]
Five in Hospital as Cases Rise
Five people are receiving treatment in hospital for Covid-19 related illnesses as cases of Covid-19 continue to rise on the island. A further 71 cases were confirmed on Friday meaning the total number of active cases now stands at 234. More than 1,000 people are currently in self-isolation – with […]
DHSC Confirms Cervical Screenings Can Continue
GPs have been asked to continue providing cervical screening services, with enhanced safety measures in place to protect patients and staff. The Director of Public Health and the DHSC have confirmed that the procedure can continue to be offered safely, with mitigations to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. It […]
Updated: Smear Testing Reinstated
A post on a GP’s Facebook page has said that smear tests can continue in general practice. Ramsey Group Practice has said: ‘We are pleased to announce we have just had word from Head of Primary Care that cervical screening can continue in general practice. We cancelled all our patients […]
Covid Protections Introduced for Primary Care
New measures have been introduced within the Primary Care sector to further protect patients, staff and the wider public as a result of the increase in positive Covid-19 cases. With immediate effect: Dentists will be able to provide advice, and prescribe analgesia (pain relief) and antibiotics to patients as required, but […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 5th MARCH
HOWARD, DAVID, DR AL, DR HENNY WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE REMOVE MASKS NUMBERS – LAST 24 HOURS – ‘SNAPSHOT’ 59 NEW CASES 163 ACTIVE CASES 2 IN HOSPITAL DHSC SERVICES ASSESSMENT MORE SELF ISOLATION MEANS STAFFING HAS BEEN AFFECTED STAFF WILL BE REDEPLOYED TO VACCINATION AND TEST CANCER SCREENINGS GOING […]
Construction Sector Closed
The Council of Ministers has met this morning to review the ongoing response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Following discussions, CoMin has taken the decision that the island’s construction sector must stop work for an initial period of two weeks from the end of the day today (Friday 5 March). This […]
All Schools Shut
All of the island’s schools are to close to all children, including those who are considered vulnerable or are the children of key workers. A gov statement said: ‘‘Given a growing number of COVID-19 cases on the Island, particularly amongst children, all of the Island’s schools, nurseries and childminders will […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 4th MARCH
HOWARD, ASHY, DR HENNY, DR AL WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE NUMBERS 12 RESULTS OUTSTANDING 36 NEW CASES TOTAL ACTIVE CASES 106 2 IN HOSPITAL 21 FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES HOWARD WE EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE CASES AS THE VIRUS INCUBATES THIS IS WHY STAYING AT HOME […]
Pool Confirmed as Place of Interest
The Western Swimming Pool has had confirmation from contact tracing that a customer in one of our organised session on the evening of March 1st between 5.30-6.430pm has tested positive for Covid-19. 111 contact tracing is in place and we have provided all necessary information for other customers within this […]
111 Can’t Cope With Volume of Calls
People invited to register for a vaccination are being asked to delay calling 111 until Saturday 6 March. The 111 service is experiencing an unprecedented volume of incoming calls at present, and as a result some cannot be answered. To avoid people waiting on the line or making repeated calls, those […]
School Meal Vouchers in Post
Parents of children who normally get free school meals will again receive vouchers to spend on essential groceries during the circuit break lockdown. Schools and nurseries are now closed to the majority of students although the most vulnerable and children of essential workers can still attend. The Free School Meal […]
TT 2022 Schedule Released
While this year is another write off, the proposed schedule for TT 2022 has been published. The world’s greatest road races will return next year, with the festival scheduled to run from Sunday May 29 to Friday June 10 2022. https://gef.im/gef/tt2022 Race Schedule Saturday June 4 – Superbike TT Race […]
All Who Attended Hotel Event Required to Isolate
Everyone who attended an event at the Hydro Hotel last month is required to isolate for three weeks. Gef has tonight seen an email which says that two people who attended ‘The Long Tall Shankies, Manavia and Dusty Plankton’ show on Feb 26 have since tested positive for Covid-19. An […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 3rd MARCH
HOWARD, DAVID, DR HENNY, DR AL WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE DAY ONE OF THE LOCKDOWN NUMBERS DAVE ON ZOOM 33703 TOTAL TESTS UNDERTAKEN 33681 TOTAL TESTS CONCLUDED 22 AWAITING TEST RESULTS 17 NEW CASES 70 ACTIVE CASES 67 COMMUNITY 3 HOSPITAL 14 UNKNOWN SOURCE HOWARD THANKS DAVE, SPREADS QUICKLY DOESN’T […]
5% Hospitality VAT Rate to Stay Until September
In line with the UK budget announcement today the temporary reduced rate of 5% VAT on hospitality services and admissions to certain attractions, which was due to end on 31 March, will remain in place until 30 September 2021. From 1 October 2021 the VAT rate on those services will […]
Vaccine Reserve List Trialled
Health Minister David Ashford says the island has wasted very few Covid-19 vaccines, but 15 were thrown away in a single day as no one could be found to take them. Mr Ashford was asked by Lawrie Hooper MHK what the island’s protocol is for surplus vaccine doses and how […]
Union: Don’t Blame Ferry Crews for Lockdown
Ferries Union RMT has said its members and other ferry crews are not to blame for the island’s latest lockdown. The union has today responded to the Isle of Man Government’s decision to introduce a 21-day ‘circuit breaker’ lock down in response to a rise in Coronavirus cases. RMT General […]
Over 65s to Get Jab Invite
The vaccination programme will continue as planned during the latest circuit break lockdown, with additional measures in place to protect staff and patients. Invitation letters will be sent from this week to the next priority group for vaccination – residents aged between 65 and 70. It comes as the final […]
GP Surgery Among Low Risk Covid Locations
Two new locations have been identified which could pose a low risk of contracting COVID-19 for people who visited at specific times. The locations and times are as follows: Friday 26 February 2021 Tesco, Lake Road, Douglas from 8:00am to 8:50am Kensington Group Practice, Westmoreland Road, Douglas from 10:45am to […]