The island celebrates a major milestone today (Friday) - it’s 100 days since the last new case of Covid-19.

There have been no new positive tests for coronavirus since May 20.

Since the outbreak began in the island, there have been 9,840 tests carried out, with 25 currently awaiting a result and no one awaiting a test.

Covid-19 claimed the lives of 24 people since the first case in the island was identified on March 19. Of those 20 were residents of the Abbotswood nursing home in Ballasalla.

Health chiefs have warned that the island is still vulnerable to a second wave of the virus - and people should not be complacent.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’It is thanks to the wonderful work of the Manx public and the great community spirit that they have shown that we are now approaching 100 days without Covid. 'However this is not a time to be complacent. New Zealand was over 100 days without Covid and has seen renewed community transmission.

'This is a virus, a hidden enemy, which is likely to re-emerge at some point.'

Mr Ashford added his department is prepared for any new cases with the track and trace team and 111 hotline still in place.

He said: 'The Health Service has retained its contingency to be able to deal with new cases but the public at large also need to remain vigilant as well.

'It is more important than ever for people to protect their friends, family and community by following the rules in place around self-isolation.

'Our great Manx spirit has got us through this so far and by working together as a community it will continue to do so.'

He said the testing facility has been ramped up so more people can be tested if necessary.

But Mr Ashford said it is important that anyone who does feel unwell should present for testing.

More than 600 residents have returned to the island each week since the government allowed non-essential travel off the island.

A total of 2,559 residents arrived in the island in the period July 20 - the date the borders policy moved to Level 4 - and August 12.

Four people have been jailed for failing to self-isolate as required for 14 days on their return.

Mr Ashford said all Manx residents returning to the island after a trip away will be checked to ensure they self-isolate.

’We have been doing randomised checks earlier but we will now be checking every individual - they will at least have a phone call,’ he said.

Mr Ashford said the government was not yet ready to move the border restrictions to level 3 which would allow residents to host close family and friends from off-island, so long as they are prepared to self-isolate with them.

Level 3 would also allow some tourist accommodation to be used for these visitors and for businesses such as construction firms to bring in workers with specialist skills.