Business leaders largely back the government’s Covid-19 exit framework but many want to see border restrictions lifted sooner rather than later.

The Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey into the exit strategy.

The poll featured responses from 42 businesses representing a cross-section of the island’s economy, including tourism, hospitality, entertainment, catering, construction, finance, retail, and the third sector.

Respondents answered questions about the exit framework, which sets out government’s strategy to deal with the long-term challenges posed by the pandemic.

Headlines from the survey include a high level of support for government’s three phase (preparation, transition, release) strategy.

When asked if they agreed with the strategy, 71% of respondents said yes - but 24% said they disagreed, and 5% said they didn’t understand the strategy.

Regarding the possibility of introducing ’vaccine passports’, 55% said they ’strongly supported’ that idea, and 19% selected the ’somewhat support’ option.

A majority of the respondents (58%) supported a continuation of social distancing, but there was less support (52%) for the increased use of facemasks.

Here are the other main results of the survey - including the questions that were asked:

Does the framework provide sufficient clarity on the pathway government expects to take? Yes - 35%; Somewhat - 40%; No - 25%

Would you rather live with some restrictions in place to minimise the need for lockdown and allow a little more easing on the borders?

Respondents were asked for their views from a business perspective, and from a social/personal perspective:

Business: Yes - 56%; No - 37%; Don’t know - 7%

Social/personal: Yes - 54%; No - 37%; Don’t know - 9%

The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive, Rebecca George, said: ’There does seem to be a strong level of support for government’s exit strategy as this stage, but there’s also an underlying mood which suggests that businesses are concerned about the timelines set out in the framework.

’The message we’re getting from our members is that while they appreciate the challenges that are facing government, and that concerns about public health have to take priority in decision making, they also want to see a flexible approach which allows the timelines to be brought forward whenever possible - especially regarding the relaxation of border restrictions.’

The business group is continuing to offer a range of support to businesses, including information about how to access Isle of Man Government support schemes -at www.iomchamber.org.im.