Island returns to level one of Covid-19 framework

Mandatory mask wearing dropped

The Isle of Man has returned to level one of the Covid-19 winter framework with legal restrictions on mask wearing dropped as of today.

Face coverings are no longer mandatory on public transport or in health and social care settings – although Manx Care says it will still ask people to wear them.

The chief minister says in light of the reduced threat of high case numbers the Council of Ministers has determined the time is right to adjust the government’s Covid response.

Alfred Cannan said: "As well as the changes announced today the Council of Ministers is exploring a longer term view on how we live in a world with COVID.  

"We will continue to review the situation regularly and I hope we will be in a position to adjust our approach further in areas such as testing, isolation and borders in the coming weeks."

Border rules have also been altered to change the age limit exempting children from isolation and testing – it’s moved from 12 years to 12 years and three months. 

Government says this is to allow those turning 12 a three-month window to become fully vaccinated.