Chief minister confirms air bridge suspension

14-day mandatory self-isolation rule reintroduced

Free travel between the Isle of Man and Guernsey has been stopped, after seven cases of Covid-19 have now been confirmed there.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle made the announcement this hour:

Meanwhile, Manx residents currently in Guernsey will have to self-isolate for 14 days when they return.

The chief minister says the government is still working with Aurigny on how to bring those residents back, but says quarantine is 'the safest thing to do'.

The news was announced first by Deputy Peter Ferbrache at a press conference in the Channel Island, just after 1pm:

Afton Wood from Andreas was due to travel to Guernsey tomorrow.

She gave Alex Wotton her response to this afternoon's news:

Meanwhile, Tim Casemore from Ramsey is currently in Guernsey. He says the news came as a surprise:

Here are the main points from today's coronavirus media conference:

• The air bridge with Guernsey has been suspended, after a 'contained community outbreak', with seven active cases on 'unknown origin' in the Bailiwick.
• Those coming back from Guernsey will have to self-isolate for 14 days on their return.
• No changes to self-isolation rules though.
• The suspension will be reviewed when the situation is deemed safe.
• Government will update travel advice for residents who are already in Guernsey, or booked to travel with Aurigny tomorrow.