New measures introduced as covid spreads in community

Children to stay 'at home whenever possible' urges gov't

Children are to be kept at home 'whenever possible' in the latest guidance from the Manx government.

It's asking parents to only use hub schools when strictly necessary, and 'strongly advises secondary age students' and staff at schools to wear face coverings.

It follows the announcement at the weekend that a pupil at a Douglas primary school tested positive for coronavirus.

In a statement Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson says 'if any student is experiencing symptoms such as a temperature, a new and persistent cough, or the loss of their sense of smell they should not enter their school and call Covid-111 for advice'.

The small number of pupils who're undertaking exams and assessments this week are also encouraged to wear a face covering.

In other guidance, the chief minister has announced that garden centres are now to close, as well as hardware stores with tradespeople the only exceptions.

Howard Quayle said people should not go shopping for anything 'not essential'.