Returning students 'will be monitored', warns commissioner

Students returning from off-Island universities have been told ‘they will be monitored’.

It’s as more than 90 per cent of those studying overseas are expected to come back to the Isle of Man to spend the festive period with loved ones.

Strict coronavirus measures in place state they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival due to concerns they could spread Covid-19.

Ramsey commissioner Julia Wedgwood said community policing is being brought back and will ensure no one breaches the restrictions.

More than 900 Manx residents are currently studying off-Island, with majority of those in the UK.

High coronavirus case numbers across the water have led to tighter restrictions being implemented, including a month-long lockdown in England.

The Isle of Man, however, has fewer than ten active cases and life has been largely back to normal since the middle of June.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson has announced whole households will have to isolate if they are welcoming home a returning student.

Many are opting to find alternative living space for that two-week period, with government offering up to £250 for those paying for hotel rooms or tourist accommodation.

However, there have been fears that students may breach the Covid-19 rules which could result in a second community outbreak of the virus over here.

Mrs Wedgwood has been quick to allay those concerns.

Speaking at the latest Ramsey Town Commissioners meeting, she said it was ‘superb’ that community policing is back.

She added: “They [students] will be visited. They will be monitored. They will have to self-isolate."