Coronavirus: Manx people have '24 hours to change behaviour'

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CoronavirusImage source, 4X-image/Getty Images
Image caption,

The Isle of Man has recorded a total of 20 positive coronavirus cases

Manx people have "24 hours to change their behaviour" or face further restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus, the chief minister said.

Howard Quayle told a special Tynwald session that the government would have "no choice" but to take more action if "social distancing" advice is ignored.

Ten more people tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, increasing the island's total to 23.

None of the 23 have required hospital treatment.

Public Health has begun tracing people who may have been in contact with those infected.

The island reported its first positive test for the virus on 19 March.

Image source, Tynwald
Image caption,

Tynwald members used the public gallery so they could sit two metres apart

The emergency Tynwald sitting was called to pass legislation to tackle coronavirus.

Six members did not attend and seating positions within the chamber were rearranged to allow the remaining 28 to observe social distancing rules.

Laws were also passed:

  • to authorise the detention of people who fail to comply with isolation rules

  • to allow the closure of pubs and restaurants to on-site customers. Takeaway services are permitted

On Sunday, the government announced it was shutting Manx borders to non-residents.

All schools were closed on Monday afternoon, but provision is being made for the children of anyone deemed to be an essential worker.

The Steam Packet, the island's ferry company, has continued to travel between Douglas and Heysham, bringing food and fuel with it.

Passengers can travel on the ferry but new laws mean that anyone arriving on the island must self-isolate for 14 days or face prosecution.

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