The coronavirus outbreak in the island is expected to peak around May 7 to 10, Chief Minister Howard Quayle told Tynwald today.

Ahead of announcing plans for a phased return to work for certain sectors of the economy, Mr Quayle said: ’Now is the time to look to the future’.He was speaking on his first day back in the office since ending his 14 day quarantine after being struck down by coronavirus himself.In a statement to Tynwald, he said the government was working to find a ’carefully managed route’ to return some people to work where it can be done in a safe manner.

And he said the plans would allow people a ’little more freedom and space’.

But protection of life had to remain at the forefront and staying at home ’will continue to be our strongest weapon’.

Mr Quayle said progress had been made in the fight against coronavirus but it was time to ’develop a wider and longer-term approach, mindful of the impact lockdown can have’.

He pointed to a sharp rise in calls to police about mental health issues and incidents of domestic abuse.

The Chief Minister told Tynwald: ’We know roughly when our peak will be - May 7 to 10 - in our our coronavirus fight. It’s a case of making small steps as we go along, changes to enable certain parts of the island community to get back to their normal way of life where possible.’

Mr Quayle also revealed an update on the use of face masks will given in the next day or two.