As a key part of our healthcare system, our GPs are often our first port of call for when we feel ill.

Now, in the midst of the Covid-19, our GPs are calling on us to help protect ourselves, our loves ones, and our island.

A doctor from each NHS practice has signed a statement which can be read here: www.iomtoday.co.im/article.cfm?id=54737&headline=GPs%20issue%20rallying%20calling%20to%20residents&sectionIs=NEWS&searchyear=2020.

In a personal plea, some of our island’s GPs have written to detail what we need to do, why we need to do it, and explained the impact protecting all of our lives is having on their friends and families.

Dr Juan Corkill, Ballasalla Medical Centre: ’As the Port St Mary lifeboat medic I’m really pleased with how the crew have pulled together. We’re no longer meeting unless operationally crucial.

’As a GP at Ballasalla I am strongly urging all members of the community to follow the government guidance. You will save lives.’

Dr Justine Needham, Ramsey Group Practice: ’We are all deeply concerned about the coronavirus and it’s spread on our beautiful island. I make this heartfelt plea to all our patients, and indeed all residents of our island.

’Not just as a doctor, but as a mother, as a sister, as a daughter and as a wife. We need to stop the spread of this virus before it cripples our hospital and primary care clinics, kills our loved ones and destroys the community we love.

’The Isle of Man is usually such a safe place to be, but the only way to keep it that way, and help protect your own families and ours too is to follow the guidance.

’Stay safe, stay indoors, and if you have to leave the house for something essential stay at least two metres away from others. Wash your hands and hopefully if we all work together we can win through.

’The virus needs people to spread it. With your help, following the guidance we can stop it seeping further into our community.’

Dr Kate Christian, Laxey and Village Walk Health Centres said: ’People should be under no illusions that this is a fatal disease. I am worried that some of my patients are not following the government advice and they will spread this virus through the island.

’I even heard that some children are still going to parties - that is madness! Please don’t go out unless essential, follow the social distancing advice, and wash your hands.’

Dr Thenral Anand, Peel Group Practice: ’I would urge everyone to take the coronavirus spread seriously. I’m a GP and a mother to a six year old. I’m concerned, and you should be too.

’Please stay at home and follow the government advice. We are all working together to protect our patients, you need to be responsible and play your part too.

’Please wash your hands, follow the social distance, stay at home and self- isolate if you have symptoms. If you have concerns, please call us or 111 for advice.’

Dr Sofia Corkill, Southern Group Practice: ’I am a GP and a mother of two young children. This is a difficult time for all of us. We all have to do our part to stop this. The norm has changed but only temporarily.

’The sooner we start following the government’s advice the sooner this will end. Please stay at home, wash your hands, follow social distancing advice. Let’s save our little island together.’

Dr Kate Tebay, GP at Snaefell Surgery: ’Coronavirus is real and it is now. It’s hard to understand because you can’t see it. My family are finding it hard too, one of them was begging to go to school!

’They are starting to understand the new normal will be a bit different for a while, and for them,as well as no school and friends, they know I won’t be so available for cooking, laundry, homework and sorting out their fights!

’So please please please do your bit with your family, stay home, all of you isolate if one of you has symptoms and wash your hands. This virus needs people to spread it.

’If we all do our bit we can slow it down, flatten the curve and have enough doctors nurses and hospital beds to look after our sick and vulnerable, whatever the cause.’

Dr Jennifer Sharp, a GP at Castletown Medical Centre: ’These are scary times. I have been watching the events around the world unfold and feeling increasingly worried for those I love at home and abroad.

’I have made the personal decision to not see my elderly relatives for the near future as I want to protect them in the only way I know how. I have also changed how I shop and socialise to protect those around me.

’Not everyone is low risk and I want to know that I have done everything I can to protect all of the Manx community. It’s a big ask to change your way of life but I am asking you all, as fellow residents, to play your part in caring for the vulnerable people we share our lives with.’

Dr Adrienne Rogers, also Castletown Medical Centre: ’As a GP and a mother please listen. My family are self isolating. It’s doable.

’Coronavirus is here. We can stop its fast spread right now- this week. We can all help- children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. There is no cure. Only our behaviour can change its course.

’Wash hands. Stay at home. Comply with self isolating measures. Stay two metres apart at all times. We all want everyone to receive the best medical care available when they need it. Let’s make that happen. Stay home.’

Dr Brian Kealy, Kensington Group Practice: ’We are currently self-isolating as a precaution with our children. This has needed big changes to daily life but we are glad to be able to help our community in this way and plead with everyone to do what they can at this time.

’Please follow the recommendations and guidance and look after each other.’