Isle of Man-CI bubble a 'possibility'

Saturday 13 June 2020

The Isle of Man is considering opening its borders to the Channel Islands and Ireland before it lets people from Great Britain in.

The isle’s Chief Minister alluded to the plans during a press conference when answering questions on border control following lockdown.

As reported in IOM Today, Howard Quayle noted a bubble with Ireland and the Channel Islands is possible, before the island opens its borders to Great Britain.

It comes as the Isle of Man Border Force is created. 

Like Guernsey, the Isle of Man closed all of its borders, except to repatriate residents and those deemed as essential workers, but Mr Quayle said: “There will come a time when we look to step back from this level of control, but only when the data tells us it is safe to do so." 

Pictured: Howard Quayle suggested that IoM could bubble with its fellow Crown Dependencies before opening up to Great Britain.

He added: “Our primary focus will be to continue the protection of our island and this will be supported by a robust process of border control.”

The Manx Chief Minister didn’t confirm a date when further plans would be in place but that it is a “priority” for his government, before mentioning that a travel ‘bubble’ with the Channel Islands or Ireland is under consideration.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey has already got a 'bubble' established around itself with inter-island travel allowed, but anyone entering the Bailiwick must self isolate for 14-days. 

That is unlikely to change anytime soon, even with the islands all entering phase 5 of the lockdown exit strategy next weekend, meaning life effectively returns to normal within the Bailiwick bubble.

Deputy Gavin St Pier has also said any talk about the Bailiwick bubbling with any other jurisdiction by way of air bridges is at a very early stage.

Pictured: Sark and Alderney, which have had no virus cases, are part of the 'Staycation Club', which excludes Jersey.

"No substantive progress is the honest answer but we are seeking engagement with a number of jurisdictions that have low prevalence so we'll see where that emerges or develops from that, but I'm afraid I've got nothing really more that I'm able to say at this point," said Deputy St Pier.

With Guernsey's recovery strategy including a pledge to finally complete a review of the island's air and sea links, including establishing Aurigny's position once and for all as an economic enabler, Deputy St Pier said we could see some new routes open up in the short term while our usual services to cities like London and Manchester are not allowed to fly.

"Personally, I think that would be great if that happens, particularly in the short term I think particularly if the community has been in this state of lockdown and has the opportunity to go somewhere that we consider to be safe to do so then certainly in the short term that would be fantastic."

Deputy St Pier did say talk about air bridges or new short term air routes to new jurisdictions is a little bit premature "but it's something we're all conscious that if we could achieve it it would undoubtedly be welcomed by all."

Health President Deputy Heidi Soulsby said her committee's focus is now on looking at phase six of the Bailiwick's lockdown exit strategy and what travel restrictions will look like then with further information to be provided when it is available.