Island residents are being urged not to travel to the UK when lockdown begins.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle was speaking in the House of Keys following an urgent question from Onchan MHK Rob Callister.

England will go into lockdown on Thursday and will last until at least December 2.

Mr Quayle said there were three aspects which would have a bearing on island residents - travel, students and supplies.

He said under the lockdown rules people can’t travel overseas or within the UK unless for work, education or other limited legally permissable reasons.

While the Isle of Man in not part of the UK, people have an obligation to respect its laws while they are there.

Mr Quayle said: ’Unless people have a compelling, pressing and - importantly - legal reason to travel within the UK or beyond then I would urge them not to do so.

’Residents who need to travel through the UK to return home will of course be able to do so. ’

The Chief Minister said UK universities remain open and lockdown rules do allow students to return home but they must not move back and forth between their permanent home and student home during term time.

He said a number of Manx students had already decided to return home before the end of term and continue their courses remotely.

Mr Quayle said: ’This is a decision for students and their families to make.

’But as things stand, this would seem the best way for students to return, self-isolate for the 14 days required and still be able to enjoy Christmas with their families and friends.’

The third area is the supply of goods to the island.

Mr Quayle said there was no reason to think there will be disruption to the supply of essential goods - food and medicines.

But he said what is less certain is the possible impact on non-essential businesses, especially those whose parent companies are based in England.

He said: ’We know from the last UK lockdown that some experienced challenges in terms of stock. Others may be instructed to close.

’At the end of the day, these are commercial decisions but where government can help, advise or support, we will do. The Department for Enterprise has been in touch with some of these businesses and will continue to do so as the situation develops.’

He described it as a ’fast moving and fluid situation’ and said he would update members on Monday on developments.

Mr Quayle said patient transfer wil continue as normal.