Government has confirmed that changes to the Isle of Man’s border restrictions will still be in place from next week.

From Monday, May 24 adjustments to the island’s borders will according to the government ’make it more flexible for island residents, and for those that are able to visit (currently limited to family members, partners, compassionate visits and those with a contractual obligation, such as property owners), by reducing the requirements for self-isolation and testing periods.’

The borders framework will move from level 3 to level 2.5, which entails:

-Entry to the Isle of Man is still limited to residents, immediate family, partners of residents, key workers, compassionate applications and property owners, these adjustments for the 24 May do not change who is eligible to travel.

-The travel history declaration will be reduced from 14 days to 10 days.

-Travellers who have been within the UK, Jersey or Guernsey within the 10 days preceding travel to the island will be eligible for a “test to release” process, based on a test within 48 hours of arrival and isolation until a negative result is received. Legal restrictions will be lifted after a negative test, other than a requirement to avoid health and care settings for the first ten days.?

-Travellers who have been outside the UK, Jersey or Guernsey within the 10 days preceding travel to the island (including the Republic of Ireland) will be eligible for a “7 day pathway”, with tests within 48 hours of arrival and on day 6. Legal restrictions will be lifted after the last negative test, other than a requirement to avoid health and care settings for the first ten days.?

-If a traveller chooses not to undergo testing, they will be required to isolate for 21 days and will have to isolate alone or with fellow travellers.

This latest easing of border restrictions is part of the gradual process to achieve the government’s goal of unrestricted travel within the British Isles by Monday, June 28.

The Council of Ministers has reviewed the latest data and agreed this is the right course of action and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK commented: ’We have reviewed the data and believe that this is the right balance for the current circumstances. We are happy to confirm that the island can progress with the next round of changes to our borders.

’This ease in isolation requirements will hopefully mean more flexibility for those able to travel. For the moment, we will not be changing the categories of those who are eligible to travel to the Island: Isle of Man residents, immediate family, property owners and those with a contract of employment of at least three months.’

Mr Quayle added: ’There are still some areas of uncertainty and concern regarding the UK’s current situation. We will continue to review relevant developments including the impact of the India variant.

’We encourage all residents to think carefully when considering travel and to make the right personal choices. It is important to bear in mind that the situation can change rapidly and anyone travelling needs to prepare for these eventualities.’

Anyone who may be showing signs of Covid-19 is urged to contact the helpline on 111.