Island-based Steam Packet crew members will not have to isolate when they go off-duty.

Agreement has been reached to end a dispute between the Manx government and the state-owned ferry operator.

It comes after crew members on the Ben-my-Chree tested positive for Covid, resulting in a cluster of cases in the island.

In a joint statement issued this afternoon by the government and Steam Packet, it was announced that revised measures have been agreed for resident Steam Packet crew members.

They follow what was described as ’constructive’ talks.

Steam Packet seafarers had warned a requirement to make them isolate after coming off shift would mean they would effectively be in permanent quarantine.

The new arrangements have been approved by the island’s director of public health.

Last week, it was announced that crew members will have priority access to the island’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.

On Wednesday 69 crew members received their first dose.

This offers an additional layer of protection that has the potential to reduce the likelihood of crew members who may have the virus from passing it on to others.

A new testing regime will also be introduced to ensure that the infection status of crew members can be regularly monitored.

Crew will be tested at the beginning and the end of each shift.

The risk assessments already in place for Steam Packet Company vessels have been reviewed.

These set out the requirements for crew and passengers, including the use of PPE, social distancing, and the interaction between Isle of Man and UK based crew members.

Taking the new measures into account and acknowledging that the risk profiles of Isle of Man and UK based crew differ, Isle of Man-based crew members will not have to self-isolate when returning to the island.

UK-based crew will still be required to self-isolate.

’Both parties will continue to engage on a regular basis and ensure that the measures agreed remain practical and effective in protecting the island,’ the joint statement said.