Parents are being asked to keep their children at home next week as lockdown continues.

Schools, nurseries and child-minders will open again on Monday, February 1, if there are no more community transmissions of Covid-19.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced during the press briefing yesterday that the island would begin easing restrictions at the weekend, with socially distant outdoor meetings permitted and some people, such as construction workers and gardeners, allowed to return to work under certain rules from Saturday.

However, parents are still being asked to keep their children at home to ease pressure from hub schools, many of which are near capacity.

The government is working towards a full exit from restrictions after 21 days with no community transmission.

Provided that there are no further community cases, all schools and University College Isle of Man will welcome back students next month.

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Dr Alex Allinson said: ’This is of course a plan and it may change - but we are now working with head teachers to organise how it will work for students and teachers.

’When schools and the rest of society return to normal it means social distancing and face coverings are no longer essential but can be worn for personal reasons.

’Our teachers have done an amazing job with distance learning during this difficult time and I would like to thank them for their resilience and dedication. I continue to ask parents to support them as we move out of the present lockdown.’

All schools closed on Thursday, January 7, except for 14 educational hubs maintained for vulnerable children and those of essential workers.