An Isle of Man Border Force is in the process of being created, as the government looks to life beyond the border closure.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle was asked by Bill Shimmins (Middle) in Tynwald to provide an update on progress in creating a border force to be based at the Sea Terminal and Ronaldsway.

Mr Quayle said that the Council of Ministers has been ’actively considering’ the measure. He said the role of immigration officers based at the island’s ports could be extended.

This will include building on contact tracing work and would require people to submit details and proof of identity online.

The Chief Minister said that while the island currently has a total border closure, with the exception of returning residents and people the Cabinet Office deems as key workers, ’there will come a time when we look to step back from this level of control, but only when the data tells us it is safe to do so’.

He added: ’Our primary focus will be to continue the protection of our island and this will be supported by a robust process of border control.’

Mr Quayle said that he didn’t have a date for when the border force will be in place, but that it is a ’priority’ for the government.

He noted it is possible the Isle of Man could open its border with the island of Ireland or the Channel Islands before it does with Great Britain.