There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown is an extraordinary period in our history.

It’s a time about which future generations will no doubt be curious.

The government’s Manx National Heritage body plans to document and record life now by collecting images, first-hand experiences and objects to reflect island life during the Covid-19 pandemic.

’Collecting Covid Isle of Man’ is designed to help Manx National Heritage to understand and document the human dimension of the pandemic.

Katie King, the community outreach officer for Manx National Heritage, said: ’Museums around the world are starting to look at how they document this extraordinary moment in time.

’Some organisations are asking their audiences to share their thoughts, feelings and activities while stuck at home.

’Others are looking to collect official signage and objects such as face masks, or are documenting responses to the crisis on social media platforms and elsewhere online.’

To fully represent life during the pandemic, Manx National Heritage is asking our readers to collect both physical and digital objects such as photographs, journals and first-hand accounts reflecting the impact of Covid-19 on the Manx people.

Ms King added: ’We are asking the community to share with us personal photographs and accounts which reflect their experiences of living through this extraordinary period and also to reflect how island life has changed.

’For example photographs of queues outside shops, food delivery parcels from people in masks and gloves, innovative home schooling and children entertainment solutions, street art supporting our key workers, key workers in personal protective equipment (PPE) keeping the island safe - anything that helps to tell the story of life during the pandemic.

’We would like to represent a broad range of people and experiences - from frontline key workers, to those working quietly in the background, to those following the Stay Home-Stay Safe message.’

In addition to photographs and digital material, Manx National Heritage is also asking people to keep hold of physical objects that might reflect this period for potential donation.

Readers who would like to contribute to this record for future generations should email their photographs and accounts to [email protected].