Commissioners quarantining after visiting high risk bar

Five members of the “Ramsey Commissioners team” are in self-isolation after visiting a bar in the town considered a high risk location.

Residents have been notified through a community newsletter circulated by the local authority after tough Covid-19 measures were re-introduced.

The Isle of Man began a three-week circuit breaker lockdown last Thursday (7 January) after a spike in positive cases of the virus.

An update on which services continue to be provided has also been included in the letter, as well as a list of useful contacts that people may need.

Commissioners Chairman Andy Cowie is one of those quarantining after visiting Truth Wine and Tapas Bar, however, the identity of the other four affected hasn’t been revealed for confidentiality reasons.

Mr Cowie believes the number of people instructed to self-isolate shows just how serious the situation is.

“The recent news concerning the high risk location in our own town has brought this very much to the forefront of our thoughts, with five members of the RTC team forced to self-isolate as a result of visiting the venue”, he said.

"This is eight per cent of our team and does bring into sharp focus the size of the potential impact of any infection."

Several services are set to carry on as usual despite the 21-day lockdown.

It’s been confirmed refuse collection will continue as normal and public parks are to remain open, however, play and exercise equipment will be closed for the lockdown period.

The Northern Authorities Civic Amenity Site and the Town Hall and Library are both closed, while civil registrations of births and deaths can still be made by appointment.

Public toilets at Market Place, Mooragh Park and Station Road are staying open but with enhanced cleaning regimes.

Mr Cowie added: “The priority for the board and the team at RTC is to keep everyone safe and we are doing our best to keep our essential services running and to provide what help we can to our ratepayers.

“I am sure the whole town will do their very best to ensure we contain this latest outbreak successfully.”