17/03/2020
The situation continues to be fast and fluid and a number of announcements and information was released today as the Isle of Man Government seeks to protect the population and focus on the needs of the Island.
Strengthened legal powers to help protect people against the possible spread of coronavirus are being brought into force by the Isle of Man Government.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK has written to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, who has issued a proclamation that will invoke powers of the Emergency Powers Act 1936.
The introduction of additional powers will provide the Government with greater flexibility during this time of extraordinary disruption and threat to health.
The first emergency support measures for businesses and workers affected by Coronavirus (Covid-19) have also been announced today. The measures include the introduction of a National Insurance Holiday for employers in certain sectors, a grant of £3,000 for businesses in certain sectors, and the introduction of new sick pay compensation payments to mitigate the cost of paying employees in self-isolation.
Further changes will be brought forward to enable a person to self-certify as sick for 14 days, as opposed to the current 7 days.
Elective operations are to stop at Noble’s to free-up space and provide clinical support for incoming cases of coronavirus. Outpatient appointments that are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks will be reviewed by a clinician and patients contacted to confirm if their appointment will go ahead. The Emergency Department is being expanded to provide a separate area to deal with suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases.
Visiting has been severely restricted to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus. Only immediate family who need to visit for critical reasons will be permitted and will require permission from the nurse in charge of the ward before entering.
Ramsey Cottage Hospital will become the receiving centre for all patients with minor injuries from 8am tomorrow, Wednesday 18 March.
A number of scheduled performances at the villa Gaiety will be affected, the following shows are officially postponed:
Rob Beckett: Wallop, which was due to take place Thursday 19 March, The Boys are Back: which was due to Wednesday 25 March, Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John, which was due to take place Friday 3 April, Romesh Ranganathan: The Cynic's Mixtape, which was due to take place Saturday 4 April.
The following event is officially cancelled:
IOM Dance Teachers: Ballroom Dancing Competition, which was due to take place Saturday 21 March.
Debby Sargent’s Sports Seminar due to be held on 21 March is also cancelled due to self-isolation measures that would be imposed on the speaker.