Ministers have spoken to end confusion over self-isolation guidance for the over-70s.

At a press conference on Monday, the Chief Minister said the government was advising people aged 70 and over to self-isolate to prevent the possibility of being infected.

But his message sparked alarm that the elderly were being advised not to go out.

In Tynwald, Kate Costain (Douglas South) said there was a lot of confusion about the different types of self-isolation, saying there were elderly people worried whether they would be able to walk their dog.

Government then issued a statement clarifying the position, stressing the advice to the over 70s, as well as pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, is simply to ’take extra care to prevent the possibility of being infected’, with more guidance to be issued shortly.

At a second press briefing Howard Quayle said: ’We were suggesting that those over-70, who have an auto-immune illness or ladies who are pregnant should consider elements of self-isolation.

’We are not forcing them to do that at this particular time but we are asking them to look at their daily routine, when they are going for a walk and keeping a couple of metres from people.

’It was about thinking about their lifestyle from now on, how they are going to help reduce the risk to themselves.

’If we feel the need in the future we will be bringing in rules to force them to stay at home.

’They can still go into their garden, I hasten to add, if those rules are brought in.

’But at this moment in time we are asking them to think about isolation and ways of improving their lifestyle. We are not saying they can’t go out.’

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’What I think has caused the confusion, certainly from the people I’ve spoken to since then, is the announcement that came out of the UK as well which was much more strict at four months.

’So people were watching that on the evening news and without perhaps fully listening to the nuances here have thought that applies to them.

’In relation to the over-70s personally I thought it was clear.

’We were referring to the over-70s who may have pre-existing conditions which may put them more at risk and who may wish to consider the isolation route.

’But there is no enforced self-isolation for the over-70s.’