Ramsey Town Commissioners have delivered a letter to all households within the town following five members of their staff visiting a high-risk bar.

The members are now self-isolating as a result of visiting Truth Wine and Tapas on Parliament Street.

A close contact of a positive Covid-19 tested individual was present at the venue on New Year’s Eve and January 2 2021.

In the newsletter, which began circulation on January 8, the Commissioners stated that they were delivering the letter as they are aware that there are members of the Ramsey community who cannot access the internet.

The letter explained: ‘The Commission will continue to keep its website and our social media channels updated.

‘Those who do not have access to the internet can contact the Commissioners by telephone on 810100 during normal office hours.’

Andy Cowie, Chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners, commented: ‘The recent news concerning the high risk location in our own town has brought this very much to the forefront of our thoughts, with five members of the RTC team forced to self-isolate as a result of visiting the venue.

‘This is 8% of our team and does bring into sharp focus the size of the potential impact of any infection,’ he said.

Director of Public Health, Dr Henrietta Ewart, gave the following advice during a recent press briefing for those who had visited the bar: ‘Anyone who attended the venue, on either of the two dates and times specified, must self-isolate immediately – as should anyone they live with. Anyone needing further advice and guidance should contact the 111 team.’

Two other locations were noted as being low-risk within the town, with no further action needed to be taken by anyone who visited there on January 2 - the Court Cafe, 12 Parliament Street and Ramsey Self-Service laundry, Unit 1, St Paul’s Square.

Mr Cowie continued that it was a priority for the board and the Commissioners to keep everyone safe and doing their best to keep Ramsey’s essential services running.

He said, ‘I am sure the whole town will do their very best to ensure we contain this latest outbreak successfully.

‘I would also like to pass on the sincere thanks of the board for the efforts of all the key workers, NHS staff, volunteers and our own team who are keeping our community functioning.’

More updates from Ramsey Town Commissioners can be found at www.ramsey.gov.im.