Emergency powers to detain those suspected of being infected with the virus have come into force.

Cabinet Office has declared the virus constitutes a ’serious or imminent threat to public health’.

In a notice issued in today’s Examiner, it says: ’The incidence or transmission of coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health and is at such a point that the measures outlined in the regulations may reasonably be considered as an effective means of preventing the further, significant transmission of coronavirus.’

The regulations, approved by Tynwald, state that an individual may be detained for screening and assessment. Where there are grounds to believe that the detained person is infected or contaminated with coronavirus, the legislation allows to be further detained or kept in isolation for the purpose of reducing or removing the risk of persons infecting or contaminating others.

Detention or isolation would last a minimum 14 days after which it would be reviewed every 24 hours.

Anyone who absconds could be taken into custody by a police constable using reasonable authority.

Isolation could be in the person’s home or in custody.

Anyone failing without reasonable excuse to comply with a restriction or requirement imposed would be committing an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine.

Where the restrictions apply to a child or an incapacitated person then a responsible adult must ensure that conditions are complied with.