Manx Care is asking visitors to health and social care settings to take a lateral flow test prior to arrival.

This is a change in policy, and comes into immediate effect today.

The lateral flow tests in use on the island are able to detect the new Omicron variant.

In a statement, it said: ’Manx Care is asking all members of the public to voluntarily take a lateral flow test around 45 minutes to one hour before visiting one of its health and social care settings in order to detect individuals who may be infected with the Covid-19 virus, but who may be asymptomatic.’

Meanwhile, the health service is also reminding people that medical grade IIR fluid-resistant facemasks need to be worn in all of the health and social care premises it operates across the island, in line with new Covid-19 guidance announced by the Chief Minister yesterday evening (Sunday).

This includes including Noble’s Hospital, Ramsey District Cottage Hospital, Primary Care Settings including GP surgeries, and all Care Homes and Day Services.