Ministers have agreed a five stage framework for lifting border restrictions.

But Chief Minister Howard Quayle said the Council of Ministers yesterday (Thursday) had decided we are not quite ready to move from the current level 5 to level 4.

Level 4 will allow non-essential travel for Manx residents and key workers.

There will be no limit on numbers and travel can be by sea or air.

There will be a compulsory 14-day isolation period on return and the person travelling must give a declaration that they are in good health.

It will mean residents can visit the UK and beyond so long as they are ready to self-isolate on return.

Non-residents will not be allowed to visit us.

But Mr Quayle said we could not move to level 4 until it was clear that the reducing level of Covid infection in the UK has become a firm trend.

’We are not quite ready yet to push that button,’ he said.

CoMin will consider this again next Thursday.

The Chief Minister also announced the Isle of Man and Guernsey are to form an air bridge, allowing unrestricted travel between the two islands, which have both seen no active cases for some time.

He said: ’There are many potential benefits and few risks.’

Guernsey-owned airline Aurigny will operate an initial two flights a week, starting mid-July.