State-owned residential care homes are closed to non-essential visitors.

Manx Care, the new body that runs the health service’s day-to-day operations, made the announcement in the wake of the increase in community transmission at Covid-19.

The situation is likely to last for at least eight more days and includes visitors, new admissions and respite.

A Manx Care spokesman said that the decision had been taken following professional clinical advice, and in line with infection prevention and control guidance.

During this period, Manx Care will establish a programme of Covid-19 surveillance testing and screening across all of its residential care homes for older people to protect residents, staff and visitors in each unit.

The homes affected include: Reayrt Ny Baie in Douglas, Southlands in Port St Mary, Cummal Mooar in Ramsey, Langness/Gansey in Port St Mary, Thie Meanagh/Sweetbriar in Douglas and Reayrt Skyal in Ramsey .

Jonathan Carey, Manx Care’s head of adult social Care operations, said: ’We understand that this decision may be distressing for some of our residents, their families and carers, and we don’t take decisions like this lightly.

’However, the decision has been taken based on clinical guidance and in the best interests of our residents and staff.

’During these temporary measures, we’ll do everything we can to help residents maintain contact with their families virtually, and make sure they’re supported with things like access to outside space.

’Our infection prevention and control team will continue to support all of our residential care homes for older people and provide any assistance that’s required.’

The situation at private homes depends on management there.

The Salisbury Street home in Douglas introduced restrictions earlier this week.