A suspected case of Covid-19 has been reported.

However the result is from a private test and the individual has been offered a further test through the government’s testing service.

The result is awaited.

As a precaution, the affected individual has been issued with a direction notice and is now self-isolating for 14 days, along with others in their household.

As a further precaution, contact tracing is under way.

This morning, staff from Zurich International based at Isle of Man Business Park were sent home as a precaution to allow the offices to be deep cleaned.

An email to staff said the office would be closed with immediate effect after two employees advised they were recently in contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus.

’They have alerted us immediately and are now self-isolating for 14 days,’ the email states.

’As a precaution we have closed the IoM office with immediate effect and this will allow for a full anti-viral deep clean and sanitation of the office over the next 72 hours.’

In a statement, Zurich said: ’The health and safety of our employees is of paramount importance.

’We have followed our internal health and safety protocols and, as a precautionary measure only, we have sent all employees home to work remotely.

’We can confirm that there are currently no positive Covid-19 cases among our employees. Procedures are in place to ensure business continuity.’

Zurich is one of the island’s biggest employers.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK will provide an update at 4pm this afternoon at the weekly Covid-19 briefing.