Category Archives: News

An urgent plea has been given to all those 18 and over to book their vaccine before mid-May, when there will be a switch to second doses.

The more people vaccinated, the greater protection for all. First doses are unlikely to resume again before August.

More detail is at https://covid19.gov.im/vaccination/vaccination-schedule-priority-groups/

The COVID-19 Exit Framework and how our borders will reopen has been published and can be found on the following link:

https://covid19.gov.im/media/1687/exit-framework.pdf

Lockdown restrictions end on Monday, with indoor gatherings of up to 10 allowed this weekend. Thank you to everyone during this difficult time which has allowed the vaccine rollout to exceed 64,000 doses with over 65% of adults on the Isle of Man receiving at least one dose.

Financial support remains available and next week’s Tynwald is due to discuss the Exit Framework for the long term plans of dealing with COVID-19.

Anyone who has received an invitation letter, can now register for their COVID-19 vaccination online via covid19.gov.im/vaccine

The new system means people can submit their details and find out what to expect at their appointment using their PC, tablet, phone or laptop, with links to further information about the vaccines and the Island’s rollout programme just a click or two away.

The online form provides a convenient and swift way for those who receive invitation letters to register for a jab, alleviating pressure on the 111 team, who until now have handled all registrations. Online registration will work alongside the 111 line, which will remain available for those who need additional help to register. After registration, contact will be made by 111 to confirm both vaccination appointments via email, letter or phone. Appointments are made subject to deliveries on Island and individuals are asked to wait for the contact from 111 after registration.

Important information about having the vaccination is set out in the online registration process, and those wishing to register are invited first to read about the authorised vaccines in use in the Island and their possible side effects, and to understand the consent process.

The on-line process should only be used for those who have received an invitation letter. To register online visit covid19.gov.im/vaccine and click on Vaccination Registration.

Due to outbreak of unexplained Covid-19 cases, which cannot currently be traced, emergency measures to protect the Isle of Man and its residents are now in force. These measures are detailed at https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/latest-updates/

The 111 line remains and the community line 686262 is available for any queries.

The Coronavirus Business Support Scheme (CBSS) is now in operation offering £1500 grants for those affected as well as the Salary Support Scheme.

The Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance has reopened for individuals and the self-employed and increased to £230 per week.

Once again a huge thank you to the health service and everyone keeping the Isle of Man safe, and up and running during these difficult times.

Sadly the surgery is cancelled this month, but please contact me on 215577 or ray.harmer@gov.im if you have any issues or concerns.

The vaccine rollout is gathering pace with increased supplies and the announcement of the gap between first and second vaccine increased to 10 weeks. Letters to the 65 to 70s aged group inviting registration for COVID-19 vaccine are going out. Currently over 23,000 vaccines have been given and this is due to increase to over 1000 a day towards the end of week. All those in phase 1, the vulnerable groups and over 50s are due to have at least their first vaccine by the end of April.

Stay safe.

Best wishes

Ray

The dredging works to complete the removal of 44,000 tonnes of silt from Peel Marina has restarted.

In the same way as the work was undertaken last year, the dredging process will involve using a long reach excavator on a floating barge, and the material will be transported 450 metres in purpose designed
trailers to a temporary drainage pool constructed in a field upstream from the Marina, beyond the Power Station site.

Through the Climate Change Transformation board the Cabinet Office team are working to obtain formal approval to extension to the Isle of Man, which is hoped to be in place by November this year.

The nurse-led vaccination team will host a pop-up clinic at the Western Wellbeing Centre in Peel on Saturday (27 February) for local residents who are unable to travel. The clinic is fully booked, with slots offered to 126 people already registered for a jab. It follows a successful weekend clinic held earlier this month in Ramsey.

The monthly surgery with Geoffrey Boot MHK and Commissioners will take place today Saturday, 13th February at the Peel Town Hall from 11am to midday.
All welcome.
Ray Harmer

Some better news – with the absence of community spread of Covid-19, lockdown measures are being eased. Those in construction are able to return to work including electricians, builders, roofers, gardeners and decorators.

It will possible to meet outside with one other household from this Saturday, as long as it is socially distanced and people continue to wear face coverings.

It is hoped to lift all the Island’s lockdown measures in just over a week on 1 February, if there continues to be no more community cases of Covid-19.

During these difficult times the £1,500 Covid business support payment, salary support and Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance are available to help businesses and employees.

More information can be found at https://covid19.gov.im/