Lessons to be learned from Covid response, Manx chief minister says

There are "lessons to be learned" from the Manx government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the chief minister has said.

An independent review of the way Covid was dealt with on the Isle of Man has made 31 recommendations.

Alfred Cannan said it was an "important report" that would "take some time to digest".

"It is crucial that we have a comprehensive understanding of its findings and recommendations," he said.

The review by Kate Brunner KC said, while there were "areas of weakness" in the government's response, overall it had been "largely successful".

The report outlined "some significant issues", including inadequate emergency planning, too much focus on following the UK initially, educational recovery not being appropriately prioritised, and insufficient attention paid to borders, which allowed an outbreak in early 2021 via the ferry firm.

It also highlighted the social care sector was not well-supported.

Of the 142 Covid deaths on the island, 51 died in care homes while a further 11 care home residents died in hospital.

There were 40 outbreaks in care homes, with one at Abbotswood in April 2020 leading to the deaths of 20 residents.

The review found that outbreak "in all likelihood, occurred with no fault on the part of the home", and there had been a "lack of attention paid to care homes in government planning".

In his initial response, Mr Cannan said: "First and foremost, our thoughts must be with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives to Covid, as well as with those who continue to suffer the effects of the virus.

"The findings make clear that there are lessons to be learned and things we could have done differently.

"But it also demonstrates that there are aspects of the Covid response of which our island can be proud."

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