The Manx government insists that a ’rigorous’ process is in place to approve key worker exemptions.

It comes as five welders from Yorkshire - including one who later tested positive for Covid-19 - were jailed for breaching strict coronavirus rules for visiting key workers.

The group called in at Tesco to buy food and alcohol shortly after arriving off the Ben-my-Chree last week, rather than going straight to their hotel as required.

They were here to complete a track renewal contract on the Manx Electric Railway.

Under the island’s current border restrictions, exemption certificates are approved for those necessary to critical national infrastructure or the preservation of human life.

A total of 1,229 key worker exemptions had been issued since border restrictions were introduced in March.

Quite how the MER, a heritage tourist attraction, is deemed critical to our national infrastructure has not been made clear.

A Manx government spokesman said: ’A complex and rigorous process is in place for key worker approvals.

’Each key worker application is checked by the department involved, the DHSC and Cabinet Office.

’An exemption to allow an individual to enter the island will only be granted once agreement has been reached at each stage.

’The government continues to focus on enabling the island to function while managing the risks posed by the pandemic, and how this is done is constantly reviewed.’

It is understood that the welders from Doncaster-based Haigh Rail, were brought in by island contractor Auldyn to complete the track renewal contract.

The group included trainee apprentices.

’In the recent Manx Electric Railway case, a local employer applied to bring in skills that are not found on the island in order to complete a contract,’ said the government spokesman.

’Rail welding involves surrounding the rail ends in thermite powder and igniting it - a very different process to normal welding which cannot be done by on-island firms.

’This case followed the normal procedure, leading to risk assessments, safe-working procedures and formal directions being in place.’

He added: ’It is important to recognise that recent incidents have arisen due to individuals choosing not to comply with clear and formal directions agreed in advance.’

More than £3.3m has been spent on track renewals on the MER over the last three years, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

A further £1,669,305 was estimated to be spent in the current financial year.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker said he would welcome clearer notices at the Sea Terminal and airport advising arrivals about entry restrictions.