Police say the first man to be arrested for breaching self-isolation rules won’t be charged.

A 26-year-old man, who lives in the island but is of no fixed abode, was arrested yesterday (Thursday) and detained in police custody on suspicion of failing to adhere to new quarantine laws.

These laws require anyone who travels to the Isle of Man to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

The laws have been implemented to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the island, which has now seen two confirmed cases.

The courts are able to issue a fine of up to £10,000 for a breach of the new laws and, in exceptional circumstances, a custodial sentence of up to three months can be imposed.

In this case the man had arrived back on the Isle of Man, on the ferry from Heysham at 6am yesterday (Thursday) and had been unable to secure any accommodation to self-isolate himself. He arrived after self-isolation rules came in but before the emergency regulations came into force at 4pm.

He handed himself into police HQ. Inquiries have clarified his movements and the fact that he is not presenting with any symptoms of the virus.

Premises have now been identified where he can be self-isolated. Police officers will escort him to these premises where his compliance with the self-isolation protocols will be monitored.

A police spokesman said: ’These measures and their enforcement are a vital part of keeping our island safe and we will continue to work with our partners and the public in this regard.’