An additional 50,000 lateral flow tests (LFTs) were delivered to the island yesterday (Thursday) for distribution to pharmacies and local authority outlets.

Health Minister David Ashford described the public update of the tests as having been ’phenomenal’.

So far 290,000 tests have been brought to the island and plans are in place to secure a weekly supply of around 130,000 tests for the foreseeable future, subject to continuing demand.

From August 2 pharmacies are due to be restocked on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with local authority outlets receiving deliveries on Tuesday and Thursday.

This schedule will remain in place over the following weeks, deliveries to the island allowing.

The government is asking people to request a maximum of seven single test kits from the outlet they visit, to ensure sufficient supplies are available for other people.

Mr Ashford said: ’The uptake has been phenomenal and the public are to be praised for their enthusiasm to test themselves, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus on our island. However, stocks have quickly run down, and some people who need the tests have had difficulty obtaining them.

’We have repeatedly appealed to people not to stockpile, but I’m afraid there is evidence this is happening, and I ask again for those doing so to think of others.

’We are placing orders all the time, and are looking to secure delivery to the island of around 130,000 tests per week.

’There will be regular distribution to pharmacies and local authorities, so people will know where and when LFDs (Lateral flow devices) will be available near them. The long term supply will, I hope, see an end to people hoarding LFD kits - which shows a lack of consideration for the needs of the wider community.’

The public can collect LFTs from the following commissioners’ offices and town halls listed below during normal opening hours only:

Douglas Council: Henry Bloom Noble Library, Duke Street, Douglas

Peel Commissioners: Town Hall, Derby Road

Castletown Commissioners: Castletown Town Hall, Farrants Way.

Port Erin Commissioners: Commissioners’ Office, Bridson Street

Ramsey Commissioners: Ramsey Town Hall (and Library on Saturdays)

Onchan Commissioners: Hawthorn Villa, Main Road.