The first small steps towards normal life resuming took place at the weekend as restrictions on movement were eased.

With travel for recreational purposes now allowed, for many it was the first chance to go for an ice cream.

Davison’s opened its Peel parlour for take-aways, with strict social distancing measures in place.

But the move attracted criticism. It was linked to an incident in which a Davison’s van had all four tyres slashed while outside the premises.

Saturday also saw the reopening of the civic amenity sites. There was a 90-minute wait for some using the tip in Port St Mary.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle thanked the public for acting responsibly over the weekend, abiding by the 40mph limit on the roads and social distancing rules.

But police have seen an increase in the number of people breaking lockdown restrictions by visiting other households.

A spokesman said officers will offer advice in the first instance but they can issue £120 fixed penalty notices to those who breach Covid rules.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’Please don’t go visiting other people for barbecues, birthday parties or general visits.

’The police are aware of an increasing number of people from one household calling on another. But the message is: this is still not allowed.’

The Council of Ministers is not considering easing the lockdown to enable people to meet up with a small number of family and friends outside their household.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said people may soon be able to meet with a small ’bubble’ of others as part of a phased end of lockdown. Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly said CoMin was not considering such a move here.