After some time away from public opinion pieces, the Examiner went to Strand Street, Douglas, to ask the public simply how they’re getting on in the pandemic.

It feels like the island is coming back to life as restrictions on residents and on businesses continue to ease after days of no new Covid-19 cases.

Twelve-year-old Isla Gray of Laxey told us on Strand Street, Douglas, how she’s been getting on since lockdown. She said: ’At the start I didn’t like it as you had to stay in all the time and could go outside once a day. Now you can go out as long as you social distance and go out into town and do things.

’I’ve liked being out of school quite a lot. I can do most of the homework - some of it has been hard. My parents helped me a bit.’

The Ramsey Grammar School student said it was difficult not being able to meet with friends. ’But I could still text and FaceTime them. Now it’s better because we can meet them as long as we’re two metres apart,’ she added.

Lynne Broughton, 56, of Ramsey, said: ’It’s nice not having anyone shove into you anymore with the two metre rule!

’I’ve seen more wildlife; we’ve got hedgehogs nesting in the garden and I’ve seen a spotted woodpecker in the garden. I’ve never seen a spotted woodpecker and I have always wanted to, so seeing it in my own garden made my day!’

’I’m gutted that the 40mph restriction is finishing.

’I don’t see why people are in a rush. It’s an island, you’re not going anywhere.’

Robyn Millar and partner Ryan Duddy, 25 and 27 respectively, from Port Erin, said things feel ’normal’ now.

Robyn said she has ’loved’ being able to hit the shops again and Ryan still misses playing football. At first Robyn was worried about the pandemic as she is pregnant.

’I wasn’t sure how it affected pregnant women,’ she said. ’Not being able to celebrate with family and friends was a bit of a bummer, but it could’ve been worse and I could have gone into labour during lockdown.’

Beverley Courtie, 60, of Onchan, said: ’It feels weird coming out after being in lockdown for so long. I don’t think we’ll get back to normal. I think the government has done a good job. We’ve got family in the States and it’s very different.’

Her daughter Emma, 18, said: ’I think some of the rules contradict themselves like having to stay two metres apart, but you’re allowed to car share.’

She added that with restrictions lessening, life seems ’better’. The university student has been busy taking exams online and found it difficult not being able to see friends in the island, but also new ones in the UK.

Jack Verity, 70, of Peel, said: ’I think the Isle of Man is doing extremely well at controlling it. People are behaving very respectfully, still obeying all the recommendations despite there being no known cases. I think people are suspecting there is and are respecting that.’

The president of Probus - an organisation for retired businessmen and women who want to stay in touch with others with similar interests - said they are looking at reopening the clubs. ’Members are all in the vulnerable age group, so we are very cautious. We’ll see how this next couple of months go.’