IoM not waiting for UK schools decision, insists Minister

Health minister says only Manx data will be used to decide when schools re-open

The date for re-opening the Isle of Man schools won't be linked to the UK's decision.

That's the insistence of Health Minister David Ashford, who says only Manx data will be used to make the decision for the Island's schools.

Some pupils in the UK will be able to return to the classroom next month, although some English councils have said they won't allow schools to reopen.

Mr Ashford says many countries have taken different routes: