The island’s retail supplies will not be affected by the three-week lockdown, Isle of Man Government has confirmed.

A joint statement was issued via the Department for Enterprise yesterday (January 7), reassuring residents that extensive plans were in place to cover disruptions and to ensure the continued supply of food, medicine and household essentials.

Essential retailers and hauliers that signed the statement were: Shoprite, Robinsons, the Co-Operative, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, the Steam Packet Company, Graylaw International, Trade Distribution, Ellan Vannin Fuels, Today’s and TransMann.

They stated that similar to the last lockdown, the Steam Packet Company and logistics providers have strategies in place to deal with impacted sailings to ensure freight can be carried continuously.

The statement read: ’Although the measures being re-introduced haven’t applied to the Isle of Man for the last six months, remember the United Kingdom has been in varying degrees of this situation for many months - supply chains are stable and we are continuing to work with suppliers to keep shelves restocked.

’We would like to once again thank our colleagues across retail and logistics who are working around the clock to deal with this repeat challenge.’

Retailers also stressed that shelves are being restocked as quickly as possible and that for this reason, customers should be considerate in their purchases so that everyone can get the products they need.

The statement continued: ’There is plenty of supply to go around, but we do need you to shop normally - there is no need to stock up.’

There have been reports of numerous shops seeing panic buying, resulting in empty shelves.

Businesses also said that the requirement of a face covering is not mandatory to enter an essential retail store, but is strongly recommended in such public places, adding: ’Please be considerate that some people may be unable to wear a covering for personal medical reasons.

’By shopping considerately, we can work together to keep our retail staff and customers safe, and ensure that everyone in the Isle of Man - including the most vulnerable members of our society - can continue to get what they need.’

Shoprite’s opening hours for senior citizens and the vulnerable are 8am to 9am on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. NHS staff, emergency and care workers hours are 8am to 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Tesco has announced its opening times for senior citizens and the vulnerable as Sunday, January 10, 9am to 10am and Wednesday, January 13, 9am and 10am. NHS and essential workers can shop at any time, provided they have proof of identification.