Covid Impact to be Felt for Years

Chief Minister Alf Cannan has said the island will be feeling the impact of Covid-19 for years to come.

The Chief was speaking after the publication of the Brunner review into the handling of the pandemic.

Kate Brunner KC found that the island’s responses to Covid was broadly successful, but that some there was a ‘high risk’ of things being much worse at times due to how the gov was managed.

He said: ‘First and foremost, our thoughts must be with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives to Covid, as well as with those who continue to suffer the effects of the virus. The pandemic will continue to impact on the lives of many in our community in the years ahead.

‘This is an important report and it is crucial that we have a comprehensive understanding of its findings and recommendations.  The Government has not had advance sight of the report and at over 3,600 pages, it will take some time to digest.  I appreciate the public’s patience as Government begins this process.  We will have more to say in the days and weeks ahead.’

‘The findings make clear that there are lessons to be learned and things we could have done differently. But it also demonstrates that there are aspects of the Covid response of which our island can be proud. The report highlights the Manx community’s remarkable capacity to come together in a crisis.  It finds that, overall, the Isle of Man fared much better than many other places.

‘The report also noted the contribution of the island’s public servants and volunteers who worked so hard to serve the public and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.  It also recognises the significant willingness of the whole Island to come together and support each other through such a difficult time.  To everyone in our community who played a role in responding to the pandemic, I extend my thanks.’

The Chief also extended his ‘sincere thanks to Kate Brunner KC and her team for producing this comprehensive, objective and detailed report’.