‘Border policy is working’ says police chief ‘but we can’t let our guard down’

A police chief says ‘we cannot let our guard down’ as the Island’s exemption policy for returning residents has come under scrutiny this week.

Superintendent Steve Maddocks’ comments come as the Isle of Man edges towards the milestone of 100 days without a new case of coronavirus.

A number of those in isolation have reportedly gone the full 14 days without a visit or phone call from authorised officers, prompting concern from the public.

Those arriving on the Island undergo checks by the Travel Notification Service, which has received approximately 600 exemptions, according to the government, since border regulations changed last month.

The service, based in the cabinet office, is tasked with monitoring individuals and ensuring they adhere to the terms of their self-isolation notices.

The police only become involved in the process when someone suspected to be in breach of quarantine is reported to them.

‘There’s still members of the public who are cautious and wary about the virus returning’, Supt. Maddocks told Local Democracy Reporter Aaron Ibanez.

‘They are rightly concerned about it and they will report their suspicions to us.’

Two individuals have been sentenced to prison for failing to isolate in the last week, a 55-year-old local man who visited two Douglas pubs over the weekend, and a 60-year-old female visitor who admitted taking a bus to a locksmith.