Phased reopening of care homes from today

Seven of eight homes allowing pre-booked visits

A phased reopening of the Isle of Man's residential homes is getting underway today (16 August).

It follows temporary closures of facilities due to the spread of Covid-19.

Eight homes closed their doors to visitors and new admissions earlier this month, due to what was described as 'operational challenges'.

Seven of the homes affected across Douglas, Port St Mary and Ramsey are starting to relax restrictions from today.

Pre-arranged visits will be allowed as long as they're booked in advance with the homes' management teams and will be restricted to 15 minutes.

Visitors will also have to complete a lateral flow test, wear a face covering and sanitise their hands.

Care home residents are being strongly advised not to leave their homes for outside visits.

This is with the exception of emergency or urgent medical treatment.

Meanwhile, rules not allowing visits will remain in place at Reayrt-ny-Baie residential home in Douglas until at least Friday (20 August).

A Covid-19 outbreak affected the home last month.

Manx Care says the new measures will be reviewed again on 27 August.