Comis Hotel will be the first hotel in the island to accommodate returning residents.

The Isle of Man Government announced that the Mount Murray hotel will accommodate the first 30 residents to return from the other side of the border where they will be 'carefully managed' with 24 hour security.

Since the closure of the Island’s borders on the March 27, over 400 individuals have been in touch from the UK and further afield.

Those who have been in contact will soon receive an email setting out the process and details on what they need to do next.

As spokesman said: ’This has taken some time and there has been much to consider. This will not be a short process and only small groups of people will be allowed to return on a phased basis.

’So although the process opens today, the island will only be able to take a small group to start with of around 30 who will be randomly selected. This is the only way to safely start this process.’

The government warned that no one should apply to be repatriated if they are feeling unwell.

A health check will take place before individuals travel. If they are not considered to be ’fit’ they will not be allowed to board the boat.

Returning residents will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation in the UK and will also need to pay for the boat back, plus accommodation in the island.

An Isle of Man repatriation form is available online for those applying to return to the island: https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/isle-of-man-repatriation