Covid-19: Isle of Man ends second lockdown

Covid social distancing rules on the Isle of Man have been scrapped by the government following a 25-day lockdown.

Restrictions were lifted at 00:01 GMT after the island recorded 20 days without an unexplained community case.

Healthcare services have returned to normal, all schools have reopened, and all shops and pubs have been allowed to welcome customers again.

Manx Chief Minister Howard Quayle said the ending of Covid-19 restrictions was "a moment for relief and celebration".

The island is now the only place in the British Isles with no social distancing measures in place after Guernsey entered lockdown on 23 January.

Mr Quayle said the lifting of the "circuit breaker" restrictions was a result of "collective determination, sense of duty, and community spirit of the Manx people".

However, he urged people to "remain vigilant" since the virus could again return.

Though on-island restrictions have been completely lifted, the border remains closed to non-residents except for key workers and those with a compassionate exemption.

After more than six months without the need for social distancing measures, a cluster of positive coronavirus tests was detected and the Isle of Man went into its second lockdown on 7 January.

Analysis:

Sadhbh O'Shea, BBC News, Douglas

Lockdown came as a shock to the people of the Isle of Man after more than six months of relative normality, aside from the ongoing border restrictions.

But there was a feeling of defiance, too. The island had beaten back the virus during the first wave and there was a sense it could be done again.

Now, three weeks after the latest shutdown, that indeed has proved to be the case and normal life has once again returned.

It's been 20 days since an unexplained case of Covid has been detected here and the government is confident it has eradicated the virus for a second time.

And that regained freedom certainly feels like a weight off the shoulders, with no more need to worry about the virus circulating in the community.

It wasn't without its sacrifices, of course. Businesses shut their doors, losing much-needed income, and Manx residents showed their commitment to social distancing, mask-wearing and sticking with their own households.

The rewards have been well worth it.

Landlord Mark Ellison, who opened his Douglas bar just after midnight as restrictions were lifted, said he was "more than proud" that the island had eliminated Covid-19 for a second time.

The 25-day lockdown had been "absolutely terrible" for his business, he said, adding that it was "marvellous" to be able to serve customers again.

Joseph Butler, 21, said he had been "slightly tentative" about leaving lockdown but was "glad it has ended".

"I'm pleased to see that people have taken it rather seriously, which has allowed us to go back to the way things were," he added.

"I did not mind having to stamp it out and get rid of it early on," he continued.

Khesi Chauke, 35, said it was a "relief" to return to normal life.

He added that going back into lockdown after so long felt like a "kick in the teeth" but he agreed with the restrictions.

"People I have known have passed away from Covid-19 and I would not want to have that happen here," he continued.

Deborah Tipping, 47, said it was "nice to be out again" and she was looking forward to returning to her job at a pub.

Originally from Balbriggan in the Republic of Ireland, she added that it had been "pretty tough" not being able to visit her family after her father died in July but she wanted the border to remain closed to non-residents.

"It is for our safety," she continued.

Philip Brearley, who is in his 70s, said it felt "fantastic" to able to mix with people again.

The short lockdown was "good thing to do, I felt happy about it and I felt safer", he added.

There have been a total of 434 cases of coronavirus on the Isle of Man, 15 of which remain active.

Some 25 people have died on the island after contracting the virus.

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