The Manx police have launched a dedicated Covid Response Unit.

Its officers are equipped with advance personal protection equipment are on hand to support the welfare of people in quarantine - and ensure Covid rules are not breached.

The force said the aim is to keep both the public and its officers safe during the lockdown.

Sergeant Lee Wright has been appointed to lead the new unit, which is part of the operation support group. He will head a team of eight constables.

Sergeant Wright said that the unit’s focus would be on those in isolation having returned to the island, or having been directed to isolate by the 111 Covid advice line or the contact tracing team.

It will also provide support to officers at the ports and the testing teams at the Grandstand.

Sergeant Wright said: ’It’s important that we have a capability to safely deal with those who breach any directions to isolate.

’But it’s equally important to have a unit that can respond to those in isolation when they need us as victims of crime or domestic abuse, or if they are struggling with mental health issues.

’By having a dedicated unit with advanced PPE we are able to provide this service while minimising the risk to officers and the public, and any potential spread of the virus.

’It’s really important that those directed to isolate do so, but we don’t want those people to struggle or feel alone. If you need us, call and we’ll be there.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle told a Covid briefing this week that apart from a couple of cases reported in the media, respect for the current lockdown measures is high.

He said: ’If we are instructed to self-isolate by the contact tracing team then we must do that.

’This is how we stop the virus spreading deeper into our community.’

He said: ’Your response when we asked people who had visited high risk venues to come forward to be tested was amazing.

’People who the contact tracing team have asked to self-isolate did so.

’The way they have responded has been incredible. Well over a hundred should be leaving self-isolation at the end of this week as long as their Day 13 test is negative.’

He added: ’All of these actions were examples of people stepping up and doing the right thing. Their actions helped us protect other people and the most vulnerable in our community.’

The island moved to border framework level 5b on January 7.

This means the only people who can travel here are returning residents and a very small number of key workers.

The Chief Minister urged people not to travel - and warned them that if they did, the government could not guarantee when they will be ale to return as borders may need to be further restricted.

Under the new rules, residents arriving on-island must self-isolate at their own cost in a separate household.