More than 93% of primary school children and almost 70% of secondary school students returned to classes yesterday (Monday).

And on Tuesday, more than 92% of primary and 86% of secondary age pupils were back in classes.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson described the reopening of schools as ’an important step forward for our nation’.

’I do encourage all pupils to return to their classes,’ he said, adding that he was aware there will be a small minority of students who won’t be able to return due to medical conditions or anxiety.

Dr Allinson said teachers will be listening to pupils’ lockdown experiences and bringing them back to a structured routine.

’Some people will need help and encouragement to catch up,’ he said.

The Minister said details of a ’comprehensive and enhanced’ summer programme will be published in the next few weeks.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said with no new cases of Covid seen for 33 days, the island was moving to a new phase called ’Stay Responsible’.

’Despite a month with no new cases, we must all stay responsible,’ he said.

A document was issued last night outlining the five response levels to any potential second wave of the virus.

’I hope we never need to use this plan,’ said Mr Quayle.

The Chief Minister said he would be asking Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney to lift the state of emergency on Friday.

He revealed police may look at whether a party from Jersey had adhered to strict protocols during their time in the Isle of Man last week.

Mr Quayle said the party who were here for work reasons had applied for and been given exception certificates, which included an exception from the requirement to self-isolate.

The certificate set out the conduct required of the group who had submitted an agreed risk assessment and a plan of how they would protect others while in the island.

Mr Quayle said questions had arisen as to the group’s adherence to these requirements. ’This is being looked into and the police may decide to look at this,’ he said.

’The group has now left the island. We expect the small number of people who have been granted these exemptions to follow them to the letter. We will not accept excuses.’