The political leader of Guernsey says the Covid-19 positive test in the Isle of Man will not close the air bridge between our two islands.

Deputy Gavin St Pier, who is the President of Policy and Resources Committee, is Chief Minister Howard Quayle’s equal in the channel island.

Earlier today, Mr Quayle announced that a person, who is isolating at home having returned to the island from the UK, has tested positive for Covid-19.

Mr St Pier’s statement in full: ’When we launched the air bridge in June, we did so because there was significant alignment between our governments’ approaches to managing the risks linked to Covid-19.

’It was not a decision based purely on the fact that at that point neither island had had a confirmed case for several weeks, but rather because we both have very similar measures in place for border controls from other locations, and robust testing and contact tracing capabilities.

’Maintaining zero cases was never a prerequisite of the air bridge. It would appear that the Isle of Man’s quarantine and testing regime has worked to identify and contain this case.

’There does not appear to be any evidence of community transmission. On that basis, there is no reason there should be any impact on the air bridge at this point.

’We maintain an open and transparent relationship through close contact with our colleagues at all levels in the Isle of Man and we will of course continue to monitor the position.

’This case re-emphasises once again the need for any of our own residents to seek advice and testing if they experience any Covid-related symptoms.’