Lockdown Free Isle of Man Lights up for Christmas

The Christmas lights are being turned on in ceremonies and celebrations in the Isle of Man (Manx Gaelic: Mannin) over recent days. The most recent being in the town of Peel (Manx: Purt ny h-Inshey) where people thronged the town streets and a fireworks display was held. The Isle of Man scrapped social distancing rules on 15th June, the first in the British and Irish Isles  to do so. A relaxation that has since allowed for the opening of restaurants, cafés and pubs, and the reopening of gyms.

The island's border remains closed to almost all non-residents, a government strategy to prevent the spread of coronavirus on the Island that has met with widespread support amongst the Manx population. It was deemed the infection rate in the neighbouring islands remained too high to relax the restrictions. Manx Chief Minister Howard Quayle made it clear that it is "all but certain" the Isle of Man's border will remain closed to non-residents in December to ensure the island enjoys "a Covid-free Christmas". 

Image: Xmas lights in Purt ny h-Inshey picture courtesy of IOM Newspapers.