Capital International has confirmed that one of its staff has tested positive for coronavirus, Covid-19.

The company said that the man returned from a holiday in Spain on Sunday, March 15 and felt unwell shortly after. In line with the company’s response plan, he immediately self isolated and did not go into work.

A spokesman for Capital said: ’The staff member did not come to any of the Capital International offices and has had no contact with any of our staff members outside of work.

’We therefore have no reason to believe that there has been any direct transmission into our working environment or risk to our employees as a result of him acquiring the virus.

’The staff member has been able to function and work from home this week and we are encouraged that his symptoms have been bearable.’

The company confirmed that its core team members are meeting daily to monitor its response to the Covid-19 and is reducing staff levels at its Douglas and Castletown sites, with more staff working from home.

The spokesman added: ’All staff travel (both business and personal) has been tracked with self-isolation imposed on all returning staff members since the March 9 2020.

’The safety of our staff, families, customers and other stakeholders has been paramount in our planning since the threat of Covid-19 increased in the UK. The plans we have implemented will enable us to protect our staff as well as continue to deliver uninterrupted service to our clients.’

Confirmed by the government on Thursday night, the island’s first case of Covid-19.

In a statement issued just before 11pm on Thursday night, the government said: ’A patient on the island has today, Thursday 19 March, tested positive for coronavirus.

’The patient had recently returned to the Isle of Man from a trip to Spain. The Public Health team has been in touch with the patient to provide advice and support, and will start contact tracing.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle will give a full media briefing today.