Health Minister David Ashford called for patience following the easing of the island’s Covid-19 border restrictions in a press briefing on Thursday.

As the restrictions were eased on Monday, people were encouraged to download the NHS app in preparation, in order to make future international travel easier.

The app displays evidence that the user has had both doses of their coronavirus vaccine, and will be vital in the entry process at the island’s ports.

Whilst the process of setting up the app is fairly straightforward, issues emerged this week for many Manx residents, who either failed to receive a six-digit security code, or were not recognised by the system itself.

It has emerged that Manx data is yet to be uploaded by NHS England.

Mr Ashford insisted that the app should be up and running for Manx residents within a matter of days and called for patience while the data is processed.

A spokesperson for the government said: ’Development work in transferring the data to NHS Digital is still underway - a completion date for this is still to be confirmed and is beyond the island’s control.

’Residents may be able to view some of their immunisation history on the app now, but will not be able to see full details, for example the brand of Covid-19 vaccination given - and this may be a key entry requirement for many countries.’

It was stressed that: ’Until the data transfer has taken place, the app will not provide Manx residents with the full functionality it should be able to offer in the future.’

At yesterday’s Covid-19 briefing Mr Ashford said: ’It is important that individuals do not contact their GP for a vaccination letter as they will not be able to provide one.

’The official vaccination status certification is being provided through the UK NHS app or a hard copy vaccination certificate - this is not yet available, but much work is going on to have our patient data transferred so that it will appear on the app.’

The minister has also stressed that Manx residents should not call their GPs with questions about the NHS App.

He said: ’The number of Manx residents calling GP surgeries looking for advice on the use of the NHS app has prevented people who are unwell from being able seek medical advice or treatment and this needs to stop urgently.

’The volume of calls they received in the last two days has jeopardised the delivery of essential GP services to those who need them most and this is unacceptable.’

Manx residents who travel off the island can use their blue vaccine record card as evidence of their vaccination status on their return, in order to follow the ’No Isolation or Testing’ (or ’2+2’) pathway.

As part of the online application process, they will need to upload a PDF or photo of official evidence of their vaccination status - either a copy of the NHS vaccine card they were given when receiving their vaccinations, or a screenshot of the Isle of Man Patient Access app showing their vaccination record.

This comes as large numbers of visitors have arrived on the island in the last week.

Official figures show that since the new regulations came into effect on Monday there have been more than 4,500 applications, a number which will undoubtedly only increase over the coming days and weeks.

Just over 600 people arrived on the island on Monday, followed by 358 on Tuesday, and 552 on Wednesday.

More than 1,000 people were expected to arrive on Friday - ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

The Travel Notification Service has encouraged people to go online before calling them, as they have seen increased demand from visitors and residents alike.