There is no legal requirement for businesses to keep a record of those who visit their premises.

But businesses are advised to review their record-keeping, should it be required for contact-tracing purposes.

Companies in sectors such as hospitality and fitness were advised to hold ’robust contact tracing registers’ to track any potential outbreak of Covid-19.

From Thursday, when the island’s pubs and restaurants opened restriction-free, tracing registers were no longer necessary.

Information Commissioner Iain McDonald, who supervises organisations on data protection compliance, said: ’As the new guidance says, there is no legal requirement whatsoever.

’It’s just what records you’ve already got.’

He added: ’Something that is quite important to remember: contact tracing is not new.

’Public Health do contact tracing as part of the job.

’That’s what they’ve always done.’

He said a number of businesses had been in touch with him over the past fortnight to understand the impact the changes will have on data collection.

In the government’s latest guidance for businesses, it states: ’Whilst Covid-19 is spreading anywhere in the world, it will remain a potential risk for the foreseeable future and you must manage this risk in the same way you would manage any other risk to your staff or customers, in line with health and safety legislation.

’You may wish to continue to implement some enhanced hygiene and social distancing measures should this be deemed an appropriate and proportionate way to manage risks.

’You are encouraged to remain vigilant: in the event of an increase in infections, the Isle of Man Government may choose to re-implement social distancing, including physical distancing requirements.

’You should prepare plans for how your business could accommodate such changes, in case they are required.

’You are likely to already have records of visitors in place, and it may be useful to review your record-keeping, should this be required for contact tracing purposes.’