No plans to ramp up IoM COVID restrictions

There are no plans to tighten border restrictions or ramp up COVID measures on the Isle of Man.

That's the latest from the Chief Minister who has also announced there have been no cases of Omicron detected on the Isle of Man yet.

The news follow a meeting of the National Covid Response Group yesterday (Thursday). 

Alf Cannan said the Manx government is monitoring developments around the Omicron variant but at this stage doesn't think further restrictions are necessary.

It comes as the UK moves to plan B with people being asked to work from home if possible, and face masks compulsory in most public places.

The Chief Minister added: "At this stage we do not feel there is a need to change the measures we put in place last week to help slow the spread of the Omicron variant.  

"I must thank the public for the steps they have taken in recent days in getting behind these efforts. 

"There has been a visible increase in people using face coverings and I believe our campaign to take a lateral flow test before gatherings and events and ‘know before you go’ has gained traction in our community".