Coronavirus: Manx border plan may allow non-resident relatives to visit

The border is currently only open to returning residents and those with special permission

A plan to let Manx residents' relatives back on to the island to visit is being "actively considered", the chief minister has said.

Howard Quayle said the council of ministers was looking at opening the island's border to allow family members to visit under "strict criteria".

Covid-19 rules mean the island's border remains closed to all non-residents.

Mr Quayle said it would not be reopened until there was "an improvement" in the UK's infection rates.

The island is currently working through a five-stage plan for reopening the border following the coronavirus lockdown and at present, residents can travel abroad and return, provided they self-isolate for a mandatory period on return.

'All eventualities'

Under the current framework, the next level would allow visits from family and friends, along with business travel.

The proposals being considered would split that stage in two, with only immediate family allowed to enter the island at first, providing they self-isolated on arrival.

Mr Quayle said allowing those unable to travel off the island to see close family was "more important" than allowing friends or workers to visit.

Separating the groups would reduce the risk of the re-emergence of the virus by lowering the numbers allowed to visit, he said.

"We're setting up the procedures to allow that to happen... once we see an improvement in the infection rates in the United Kingdom," he said.

He added that there was no timescale for the change, but it was "not going to happen now".

In a related announcement, the education minister said Manx students in the UK must "prepare for all eventualities" given the rising number of cases in the country.

Dr Alex Allinson said that while politicians "intend never to have to close our borders completely again", those studying abroad should make sure the relevant documentation had been filled out to allow them to complete a landing card if needed.

The island's border was reopened to residents on 20 July. There are currently two active cases of Covid-19, both of whom are self-isolating.