In this week’s Manx Independent, no lateral flow device Covid tests are readily available to the public, the Manx Independent has discovered.

While last night it was announced that they would be available for people to come out of isolation, they are not available over the counter.

That could have some implications for travel, as we find out.

We have a hard-hitting opinion piece from a journalist who’s written extensively about the pandemic.

She accuses the Manx government of lulling people into a false sense of security.

This week’s copy includes photos of every Year Six primary school class in the Isle of Man.

Also this week:

An error in the way that the government calculates inflation has been discovered.

Until July 26 Isle of Man residents requiring proof of their Covid-19 vaccination status for international travel are able to request a letter from Manx Care.

People are invited to cheer on Mark Cavendish at a specially created fan zone at the Villa Marina as the Laxey man looks to complete his record-breaking Tour de France on Sunday.

A meeting to question candidates in next week’s local authority election in Onchan is to take place on Tuesday - but some questions will not be allowed.

The first baby to be born at the maternity wing in the new Noble's Hospital is now an adult.

The ManxSPCA and RNLI have received a cheque for £50,000 each thanks to a legacy from the late Betty Small.

Dawn Diane Neeson from Ramsey has been punished by a court for kicking in a door and possessing cannabis.

Around 30 maritime buildings and war memorials have been protected from future demolition. See which ones they are.

The threatened Family Library has welcomed a consultation into the future of libraries.

A Manx charity is donating toiletry gift bags to support patients who find themselves admitted to Noble’s Hospital in an emergency.

A family circus fun day will be held at Vagabonds Rugby Club this weekend.

James Scott Pringle, a 23-year-old apprentice electrician who was Pava sprayed by police after swearing and fighting outside 1886 bar, has been to court.

The government has released a new strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

A new scheme is being launched to celebrate businesses in the island that have removed the use of single use plastic items.

The Island Life section includes lots of news from the arts and Manx culture.

We have news of a new arts centre in Peel and hear how ballet dancers will put the months of lockdown behind them and finally take to the stage this weekend.

In turns hilarious, eye-opening, action-packed and risqué, a new play, performed at the Gaiety theatre, certainly caught the attention. Mike Wade looks at the latest Service Players production.

Manx Tri Club’s Will Draper had a very strong outing at the Outlaw Holkham Half Ironman event in Norfolk recently. That’s the main story on the back page.

There are 10 pages of sport altogether, including Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Year for 2020-21.

There is also plenty of community news, a page of your letters, our puzzles pages, the gig guide and a seven-day television guide.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

But you don’t have to go to a shop to buy a copy.

You can also read it online if you buy the digital edition. It should be uploaded by 7.30am.

To find out how to buy it, go to the ’Digital Editions’ section of the website on the grey line near the top of this site or watch the video below.

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