Gatherings of up to 10 will be allowed outside and you can have up to two visitors inside your home from today (Wednesday).

Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced long-awaited major changes to Covid measures at a press briefing on Monday.

He said it was ’a Manx solution for our Manx situation’ and followed a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Saturday.

From Wednesday morning people can get together in groups of up to 10 outdoors. They must stay 2m apart.

Government will not regulate how many households this can be. If the meeting is in your garden, the figure of 10 must include the members of your household.

Mr Quayle explained that 10 was a number the clinicians were comfortable with and is manageable in terms of contact tracing should someone develop coronavirus.

Also from Wednesday, up to two people from the same household can visit you inside your home at any one time.

Again, you must keep 2m apart and government’s recommended guidance is that the visit should not last more than 15 minutes.

’If you choose to ignore that advice that’s your decision. The Council of Ministers is trusting you to get it right,’ said Mr Quayle.'I know for many the changes will come as a huge relief. You will be able to see your nearest and dearest but please only do so in a way that won't put them at risk.'And if you don't want people in your house that's okay. Government cannot micro-manage your daily lives.'In other moves, the Chief Minister announced that nurseries will be able to expand their provision from today (Wednesday) to take in the children of those sectors that have gone back to work.

He said from that same date, domestic cleaners can go back to work, libraries can open to the public, campsites can reopen and motorhomes can travel around the island.Auction houses can reopen with immediate effect as long as they have appropriate social distancing measures in place.The Chief Minister also made an announcement about weddings.He said that as soon as it’s ready, the General Registry will be able to resume administration around weddings. Religious ceremonies can be organised in line with the most up to date restrictions on gatherings.The final decision, however, is for the place of worship and the guidance issued by their relevant religious bodies.The Council of Ministers was also briefed on Saturday about resuming health services that were suspended due to Covid-19. Health Minister David Ashford will give an update on Friday.