Two Douglas care homes have closed to visitors as a precaution.

Springfield Grange and Elder Grange nursing homes are operated by Elder Healthcare whose chief executive David Killip said: ’This is simply a precautionary measure in the light of the emergence of further unexplained Covid-19 cases in the community.

’We await this afternoon’s government update, following which we will review matters. The safety and welfare of our residents and staff remains our priority.’Meanwhile, Manx Care has announced it is taking a number of precautionary measures to protect patients, service users and staff.With immediate effect everyone entering a health or care facility will be required to wear a medical grade face covering.Hospital visiting is suspended from 4pm this afternoon at Noble’s, Ramsey Cottage Hospital and Manannan Court unless permission is given by the nurse or midwife in charge of the ward.GP surgeries, dental practices providing NHS services and opticians will revert to their lockdown way of working – including social distancing and the wearing of masks by patients and staff.This may also include patients being asked by their GP, dentist or optician to wait in their car until called for their appointment.Patients will be offered remote appointments on the phone or by video link, with face to face consultations provided where clinically necessary.