Manx probe into Jersey key workers held up

Friday 10 July 2020

An Isle of Man Police investigation into four nursing home executives from Jersey who allegedly broke lockdown rules while on the island has hit a roadblock.

The group arrived on 17 June to discuss increasing the number of beds at their Isle of Man home in order to accommodate residents from Abbotswood Home, which is owned by a different care group, and linked to 20 deaths from covid-19 in the island.

They were granted an exemption from self-isolation to be able to carry out their work subject to strict protocols. This included a requirement to only travel between their Douglas hotel and place of work.

However, it’s claimed that the group went on to break the rules by going out for a meal in a public place.

Pictured: The Jersey nursing home group is alleged to have broken Isle of Man lockdown rules by dining out together.

A Police investigation was opened in the week that followed.

Details then came to light following questions to Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK in the island's parliament.

But the Manx constabulary has now confirmed to Express that their probe has had to be put on hold.

This is because some of the inquiries must be conducted in person, which is not possible due to current travel restrictions. 

It’s believed the Jersey key worker investigation will continue when travel restrictions ease on the Isle of Man.

Pictured: Travel restrictions have led the Manx probe into the nursing home workers' activities to be paused.

The next big step for the island will be on Monday 20 July, when Manx residents will be allowed to travel to the UK and beyond – though they will still be legally required to quarantine for a fortnight upon their return. 

There is currently no direct link between the Isle of Man and Jersey. However, the island recently established an ‘air bridge’ with Guernsey, meaning that travellers to either island don’t have to be tested or go into isolation on arrival, due to the lack of active covid-19 cases in either island. 

Starting on 22 July, Aurigny will be providing two flights a week between the islands. The schedule will end on 30 August.