Two people have been charged with Covid-19 related offences with several arrests also having been made in the past week.

Police announced that the two people are being held in custody until the next available court date.

One person was ’absent from a residence and also failed to follow medical instructions’ and was therefore arrested.

Another person, who had already been warned, was found drinking and socialising on a beach. They were arrested.

The police currently have two others in the cells for offences related to the coronavirus restrictions.

Between Good Friday and yesterday (Saturday), police have dealt with nearly 100 reported incidents.

Superintendent Jarrod Bibby, who is overseeing policing this bank holiday weekend, said: ’Overall the emergency regulations and stay at home message over the bank holiday period has been adhered to across the island.

’However there has been a continued core of individuals flouting the regulations and putting us all at risk.

’The regulations are there to protect our health service and us as a community. Everyone has to play their part for it to be successful.

’The weekend has seen a steady increase in Covid related reports to the Police from members of the public.

’The constabulary has maintained a balanced approach; engaging, explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing and stay at home.

’We recognise this is an extremely difficult time for everyone and the potential impact of the regulations on those with mental health issues, vulnerable people in our community and others that just need that extra support at a time of need that is perhaps less available during these extraordinary times.

’However, those that continue to simply flout the law, put others at risk will be dealt with robustly.

’This weekend has seen reports of people gathering for BBQ’s, groups of people gathering at houses for social events and others moving around the island, mixing with other people with simply no reason to do so.

’From Good Friday through to Saturday, the constabulary has dealt with nearly a hundred reported incidents, a number of which have resulted in arrests having to be made against individuals who have been warned more than one occasion.

’Whilst we continue to work with the Isle of Man Government to finalise the fixed penalty process and await Royal Assent for the primary legislation that underpins their use the constabulary will continue to take a direct and robust approach to those that repeatedly breach the regulations.’

The powers in place allow for arrest or reporting those found breaking the Covid rules, with the penalties being a £10,000 fine or a three month prison sentence.