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The island is a special place in the middle of the Irish Sea with a unique local yet international ecosystem. Lockdown has had some very far reaching effects – both for the community and economy. The island’s strategies have proven effective.
MEDICAL:
The IOM Government took what some would view as strict lockdown measures fairly early to protect Manx residents, locking down the borders at the end of March with basically no exemptions. This has proved to be the star move which has really protected the IOM from the spread of the infection. As I write this at the end of May, the active cases are less than 20 on the Island and eradication of Covid-19 is within touching distance. The only failing has been one isolated nursing home which has accounted for over 60% of deaths on the island (18 against a total of 24).
The health service can cope, and the on-island testing centre has given the residents a strong testing regime keeping the figures up to date and accurate, as well as available to all.
The “baby steps” approach by the government on the exit strategy has also been very promising. Lifting restrictions one at a time has given the public a chance to grasp the “new normal” step by step.
SOCIAL:
The Island has a strong community spirit and it is what I am most proud of during the pandemic. This crisis has amplified that spirit with the community pulling together to defeat this invisible enemy. Fundraising activities and looking after the vulnerable has left many of the residents, including myself, with a feeling of solidarity and well-being. Local Christian Varley ran 19 marathons in 19 days to raise thousands of pounds for the Manx Solidarity Fund and he should be applauded. The Manx public have really got behind him cheering him from their gardens as he trotted round the Island.
ECONOMIC:
The effects of this are yet to be fully evident. Working in business banking for the Isle of Man bank, I have taken some very harrowing calls with customers, but I am left feeling positive that business is adapting and changing fast. It’s wonderful to prove the naysayers wrong – our island isn’t particularly known for agile manoeuvring and adaptation!
The challenges seen by business who require transport of goods to and from the UK and Ireland are vast. Car sales, agriculture to name but a view are finding it difficult to transport stock to and from the Island without great expense due to the boarder lockdown.
The loss of income from tourism being cancelled for what appears to be the whole of 2020 is going to be felt particularly hard in the hospitality sector. Although, my personal view is that the island will survive and thrive. The borders are anticipated to be locked for some time and this will push the residents to be creative. When the time comes, I believe the residents will decide to holiday on our beautiful island. This will retain some of the money that would have been spent in far flung reaches of the world and see it pour back into the local economy. This might just be the thing that gives the Island the boost it needs to shine when we enter the “new normal”, whatever that may be.
I end with the Manx meaning for the three legs of man “Quocunque Jeceris Stabit” - whithersoever you throw it, it will stand.