CTA border control 'almost meaningless'

One of the Isle of Man new border controls has been branded "almost meaningless".

MHK Juan Watterson has spoken out about the requirement for anyone travelling from the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands to commit to taking a lateral flow test within 12 hours of arrival, and report the result.

It's one of several new border controls introduced this week in response to the emergence new the Omicron variant.

He said "test and release after a few days" would be more useful "but comes at an economic cost".

Fully-vaccinated people arriving from anywhere outside the Common Travel Area must take a PCR test within 48 hours and isolate until a negative result is recorded.

Mask wearing is now mandatory on public transport and in health and care settings but it's currently only "expected" in schools.

Chief Minister, Alf Cannan said tighter restrictions may be introduced if infection numbers spike. 

In a recent social media post Mr Watterson said the Manx government has some "serious thinking to do" about the lack of mandatory controls.

He added: "The next move is in everyone's hands collectively. If people are cautious the numbers will come down. Ignoring the advice will lead to stricter controls.  

"The next two weeks, and the shape of all of our Christmas holidays is currently in the hands of the great Manx public".