Covid screening of secondary school children - through home testing - could begin as early as next week.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle revealed the plan to use lateral flow testing as he outlined protection measures that would be introduced to increase safety ub preparation for when the island’s borders fully re-open.

’Regular screening in secondary schools, through LFDs (lateral flow devices), done at home, is currently being planned with an expected start date of June 21, subject to supply arriving on island,’ Mr Quayle said, in response to a Tynwald question about mitigation measures.

’The issue of vaccination of children - aged one-15 - is contentious due to the delicate balance of risk and benefit given that the risks to young people from Covid-19 are extremely low, notwithstanding the known unknowns among Covid.

’One of the main reasons for vaccinating this age group would be to increase protection for adults.’