Covid hotel refund scheme launched after review

People forced to stay in quarantine at a hotel on the Isle of Man in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic will be refunded, the government has confirmed.

The move was one of 31 recommendations made in Kate Brunner KC's independent review, published in January, which considered the island's overall response.

Refunds are available to residents who returned to the island by ferry on 15, 22, 29 April and 6 May 2020 and were required to stay at the Comis Hotel in Santon.

Government funding of approximately £100,000 could be required for the scheme, if all eligible individuals claim a refund.

The Isle of Man Government closed the borders to non-residents to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in March 2020.

Those who were off-island were given permission to return weeks later, if they checked into the quarantine hotel and footed the bill, as the Council of Ministers had introduced a law which required travellers to stay at the hotel.

A fee capped at £1,000, covered ferry travel, accommodation and meals, but a spokesman said the reimbursement was for the hotel stay and catering only.

Ms Brunner's report recommended the government issued the refunds and acknowledged those affected "went through a very difficult experience, which was for the good of the island".

In April, the Manx government accepted all of the recommendations in principle and recognised "the difficulties experienced".

The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan committed to bringing a further detailed response to Tynwald in July, which is set be debated by members at next months' sitting.

To apply for the refund, residents must provide details of their stay, and proof of identification, to the Manx Government.

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