Senior members of the government and department heads will appear before the Public Accounts Committee this week as the island continues to unravel the lockdown imposed as a response to Covid-19.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle, chief secretary Will Greenhow, director of public health, Dr Henrietta Ewart, interim chief executive of the Department of Health and Social Care Kathryn Magson and medical director, Dr Rosalind Ranson will give evidence to the committee on Friday.

Committee chairman Speaker Juan Watterson will be joined by Onchan MHKs Rob Callister and Julie Edge, Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East) and Jane Poole Wilson MLC will explore the preparedness for moving out of the emergency powers period, including considering the plan outlined in the government’s ’Stay Safe’ document.

Mr Watterson said: ’We think it is important for the public to understand how Government is making decisions about how the island will exit from the emergency; how the balance is being struck between the health and economic priorities.

’This is significant topic and we anticipate discussing this over more than one session.’