Changes under way to address Covid review findings - chief minister

The chief minister gave his formal response to the review to Tynwald members

Changes are under way to address issues raised in a review into the Manx government's handling of coronavirus, the chief minister has said.

An independent investigation into the way the pandemic was dealt with on the Isle of Man made 31 recommendations.

Alfred Cannan gave his formal response to the probe in Tynwald earlier.

He said the report's author Kate Brunner KC would return to the island in March to speak to members, ahead of a debate on her findings in April.

Ms Brunner found while there were "areas of weakness" in the government's response, overall it had been "largely successful".

'Better prepared'

One of the issues raised in the report was inadequate emergency planning, initially with too much focus on following the UK.

Mr Cannan said work to revise the island's emergency plan had begun and a deputy planning officer had been appointed.

The report also recommended a Covid recovery strategy for children affected was developed and funded, including educational support.

Mr Cannan said this was another area where work had already commenced, after the Children's Services Improvement Board was set up and will report to the Health Learning and Social Policy Board.

He added governance was being improved by the creation of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer roles within the Cabinet Office.

Mr Cannan said the review had presented "a full and independent perspective of how the Isle of Man Government acted throughout the pandemic".

It was "crucial" members could examine the detail of "what happened, explore what could have been done better and, as a result, be better prepared to serve and protect our community in the future".

The review is to be moved for debate in Tynwald in April.

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