Fewer than 10 people in the Isle of Man have been tested for coronavirus (Covid-19), public health chiefs say.

A small number of people have had swabs taken from their nose and throats that were sent to a specialist laboratory in Manchester to test for the infectious disease.

The island’s public health service released a statement on Wednesday saying currently no cases of the virus have been found in the Isle of Man.

We asked for the total number of those tested, however, a spokesman said it was ’against protocol’.

’Because of the very small number involved and based on protocol to ensure no identity, the answer is fewer than 10,’ they said.

The ambulance service and Noble’s Hospital emergency department tested their response plans in case of an outbreak this week.

They told the public to ’not be alarmed’ if they see an increase of activity in the Douglas area involving staff with protective gear.

As there is no vaccine for Covid-19, the Public Health’s advice to the public is focused on preventing any spread of the infection.

This being the ’catch it, bin it kill it’ mantra.

Members of the public are urged to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue and not their hands when they cough or sneeze.

sanitiser

They must also put used tissues in the bin straightaway, wash their hands with soap and water often, use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available and to try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

The island’s public health department follows the example of Public Health England, which says individuals need to take action only if they have travelled to mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau or have been in contact with someone who has the virus.

If individuals have been to these countries within the last 14 days and are experiencing cough or fever or shortness of breath, they must remain indoors and contact their GP or Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS). They must not visit Noble’s Hospital or Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

Nine patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus.

Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that the issue is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK chief medical officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.

Covid-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan City, China. It has claimed over 1,100 lives with 45,000 people being infected.

For more information, search: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or the Manx government website: www.gov.im/coronavirus/