In this week’s Manx Independent, we print a graph created by an academic who’s modelled the future of Covid-19.

He predicts when peak infections will take place and when hospitalisations will hit their maximum.

We put his points to Health Minister David Ashford.

Mr Ashford also has his say on information from the World Health Organisation, which suggests that infection rates in the Isle of Man are the worst on the planet.

Also this week:

The Southern Agricultural Show will go ahead this weekend with ’between 90% and 95% attendance’ from stall holders and exhibitors.

Loganair’s Isle of Man to London Heathrow route will cease next week.

A local woman has started a go fund me after her uncle was paralysed after diving into the sea near Douglas.

Pictures of houses struck by lightning.

The Steam Packet’s new ferry terminal is part of the development which the United Nations cited as a reason for revoking Liverpool’s UNESCO world heritage status.

Empty supermarket shelves in the Isle of Man are a result of Covid and Brexit-related supply chain issues in the UK.

Tributes have poured in for a Ballakermeen High School teacher Dave Ball who died recently.

Vandalism led to the cancellation of the Manx 100 mountain bike challenge on Sunday. We find out what the organisers are going to do now.

In court Charles Tyrer admitted breaching his bail by sending a marriage proposal to a woman he is accused of harassing.

Two pages devoted to a boat-building competition in Peel.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney have been given a personal tour of the Bradda Head mine. We have some great photos of them there.

Kirsty Susan Ann Green has been sentenced after admitting disorderly behaviour at the Rosemount pub in Douglas.

Twenty-five-year-old Billy Robert Sumner has admitted spitting twice in the face of a police officer.

The Manx public is being invited to help shape the government’s climate change plan for the next five years.

Landowners are being offered grants to plant trees in a scheme designed to help the island meet climate change goals.

The Manx Blind Welfare Society has opened a new outdoor space, designed to meet the needs of vulnerable people, at the same time as announcing the charity’s new name.

Nile Paul Hughes of Ramsey has admitted possessing £69,200-worth of heroin with intent to supply.

In Island Life, we report on the Manx Folk Dance Society, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Next weekend sees the latest in an annual memorial concert, held to commemorate the Summerland disaster.

A play that has described as one that saved Broadway and re-invented the genre of the musical opens in Douglas next weekend.

A top DJ is heading to the island for a one-off club night.

Chart-topping Jack Savoretti is looking to return to the Isle of Man.

A photo special from the Dark Horse Festival.

In our sports coverage, FC Isle of Man are looking forward to playing in Manchester at the weekend.

And Ray Pitts is not the first person to cover all 37 of the island’s peaks over 1,000 feet in one day, but he is certainly the fastest old age pensioner!

We find out more in 10 pages of sports coverage.

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

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