Ex-chief minister says he was told to prepare for 2,000 deaths
Five years ago today the Isle of Man was preparing for the unknown.
Coronavirus was sweeping through the globe and countries were closing borders, implementing restrictions and urging citizens to wash their hands.
On this very day in 2020 our own officials were introducing the start of a 14-day self-isolation for those who arrived on Island after midnight.
Some of the measures were:
- Anyone arriving in the Isle of Man from 11.59pm on Tuesday (17 March 2020) will be required to take immediate action. Those displaying symptoms of coronavirus will be required to self-isolate for at least 14 days. Those not displaying symptoms of coronavirus will be required to self-isolate for at least 14 days, to eliminate the possibility they are carrying infection.
- Those aged 70 and over or pregnant or have underlying health conditions are strongly advised to take extra care to prevent the possibility of being infected. More guidance will be issued shortly.
- The 2020 Isle of Man TT is cancelled to protect the Island’s critical care services.
- Schools will remain open.
- Testing for coronavirus in the community will be stepped up with immediate effect.
- Both the Local Authority General Election and the Douglas South by-election were postponed.
Covid-19 has brought about death, sadness, and shone a light on mental health and anxiety. But it's also brought with it brighter times - where neighbours checked up on one another, medical staff were applauded on the streets, and we also had an alcohol company producing Fynitiser - and let's not forget about Howard o' clock.
Throughout this week Manx Radio will be observing the milestone anniversary of the pandemic.
Image: Former Chief Minister Howard Quayle (Left) and then-Health Minister David Ashford (Right)
Manx Radio spoke with three of the main decision makers at the time - former Chief Minister Howard Quayle, former Health Minister - and now Cabinet Office Minister - David Ashford, and former Treasury Minister, who's now the current chief minister, Alfred Cannan:
Here's a look back at some of the news that made headlines during the pandemic:
And you can listen to the full interviews with Howard Quayle, Alfred Cannan and David Ashford via Newscast below:
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