Blind and visually-impaired people have obvious problems when it comes to socially distancing.

They will not necessarily be able to tell when they are close to other people.

So the Manx Blind Welfare Society has come up with a way to help them.

The island charity has introduced a number of items for their safety.

It’s to ensure they are recognised by others as someone who has difficulty judging their proximity to others, and so may be unable to gauge a safe social distance.

The Manx Blind Welfare Society, which looks after the interests of more than 500 people with serious sight loss in the Isle of Man, has produced a badge and high-visibility vest that indicates the wearer is visually impaired and cannot socially distance.

These items will be worn by some individuals with visual impairments while they are out and about, and aims to encourage people who come across blind and visually-impaired people to stop and offer help if they look like they are struggling.

Dave Wilson from Manx Blind Welfare Society said: ’It is important to remember that many people who are severely visually impaired or blind are often indistinguishable between others in the community.

’Those who have a guide dog or white cane are easy to identify, but there are many who don’t demonstrate any visible evidence of being blind, and in such cases it’s really difficult to spot them.

’With social distancing now playing such a large part in our everyday lives, it is important to remember that this doesn’t come easy for all members of society.

’We are therefore asking everyone to please be mindful and watch out for individuals with a white cane or guide dog, or those wearing an "I have a visual impairment" badge or vest.

’We hope most of our members will be easy to identify. If you come across someone who appears to be struggling to socially distance while out and about, for example queuing, walking through town or exercising, please approach them from a distance and verbally guide them to where they need to be.

’We are grateful to the Manx public who have already been offering advice and instruction to some of our members around this issue. This type of assistance is truly very helpful.’