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Isle Of Man Pubs Reopen After Most Coronavirus Restrictions Are Lifted

Isle Of Man Pubs Reopen After Most Coronavirus Restrictions Are Lifted

Masks and social distancing are no longer required on the island

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Pubs on the Isle of Man have chucked open their doors once again as all coronavirus restrictions were dropped at one minute past midnight.

Thirsty punters packed the hospitality venues in the early hours of the morning to celebrate with a 'well-deserved' pint after the island relaxed restrictions and allowed for society to completely reopen.

As well as the return of the pubs, masks and social distancing have also been allowed to fall by the wayside as the island - with a population of around 85,000 - returned to normal.

Schools and businesses will be open from today, and residents are no longer being asked to stay at home and wear face coverings.

It's a world away from the situation across the water, as the UK announced another 21,088 positive tests and 587 additional deaths.

By comparison, the Isle of Man government has recorded just 15 active cases up until January 31.

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The Chief Minister of the island's government Howard Quayle announced the changes following their 'circuit breaker' lockdown, and also confirmed that gyms and restaurants are now once again allowed to reopen, as well as employees returning to their places of work as they would have done before the pandemic.

However, in case you're planning a trip, forget about it. The Isle of Man is currently operating with Border Level 4 restrictions, meaning that they're essentially closed to the outside world, and there is a mandatory 21 day quarantine period in effect for anyone who does manage to make it there.

Anyone travelling must complete a landing form for contact tracing, as well as spending those three weeks in a hotel on their own.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced the changes
Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced the changes

Mr Quayle said: "We have been encouraged by the latest data, and we do not believe there is currently any evidence of community transmission.

"So, for those who are looking forward to catching up with loved ones and resuming normal life, we are as confident as we can be that it is safe to do so."

"We will, therefore, be lifting all lockdown restrictions for businesses and individuals from Monday.

"On February 1 residents can go out, visit friends and loved ones, children can go back to their classrooms, and businesses can reopen their doors.

"Social distancing and face coverings will be a matter of personal choice."

He added: "Across the island, remarkable work has been done to keep the numbers of new cases low, and we have cause for optimism as a result.

"Although we are so fortunate on the Isle of Man, there is still a pandemic going on around us, so we should keep our wits about us as we go forward."

Featured Image Credit: BBC News

Topics: World News, UK News, Coronavirus