Border restrictions ease from today

Further changes to the Island's borders and self-isolation requirements have come into force today.

Anyone travelling to the Island who hasn't been outside of the UK, Guernsey or Jersey in the 10 days prior to arriving here will no longer have to isolate for seven days.

People will still have to isolate immediately on arrival, but if they agree to take a £30 test within 48 hours of arrival and the result is negative, they'll be free to leave.

The only restriction will be the requirement to avoid health and social care sites until ten days after arriving unless they require emergency medical attention.

A second Covid-19 test will also be required six days after arriving and this will be free of charge.

Confirming the move last Friday, Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, said: "We have reviewed the data and believe that this is the right balance for the current circumstances.

"This ease in isolation requirements will hopefully mean more flexibility for those able to travel. 

"For the moment, we will not be changing the categories of those who are eligible to travel to the Island: Isle of Man Residents, immediate family, property owners and those with a contract of employment of at least three months."

If a traveller opts for a testing pathway they can isolate within a household and there will be no restrictions on the rest of the household, unless a traveller tests positive.

However, if a traveller chooses not to undergo testing, they will be required to isolate for 21 days and will have to isolate alone or with fellow travellers.