Overnight Calf of Man visitors must be vaccinated

MNH and MWT introduce restrictions to protect wardens

Those booked to stay overnight on the Calf of Man must be able to prove they have 2+2 Covid vaccination status.

Manx National Heritage and the Manx Wildlife Trust says the entry requirements were brought in at the weekend to protect the wardens who work on the island.

The organisation says it was a "difficult decision" to introduce the restrictions, which only affects those staying overnight, not day visitors.

Anyone booked to stay on the Calf will have to show evidence that they've have two Covid vaccines at least two weeks before their visit.

In a statement, Manx National Heritage and the Manx Wildlife Trust say: "We appreciate that this decision will come as a disappointment to those people impacted, particularly family groups with plans to stay on the Calf. We very much regret having to cause this upset.

"The decision has not been taken lightly and has been made in view of the rising COVID infection and transmission rates and the unique circumstances of the Calf accommodation which puts the Calf Wardens at particular risk of catching the virus from guests. 

"If the Wardens were to catch COVID, the challenges of accessing the Calf would not afford them direct access to medical attention if needed and both Wardens would have to be evacuated from the island.

"This would result in the Season coming to a premature close and bring an untimely end to the important conservation work the Wardens undertake."

Those who were booked to stay in the Calf hostel have been advised of the new entry requirements, and given the option for a refund or to move their booking to 2022.