Police are investigating allegations that a group of visiting nursing care executives breached self-isolation rules by going out for a meal.

Details of the incident were outlined by Chief Minister Howard Quayle in reply to an urgent Tynwald question from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.

Mr Quayle said there were four people in the party from Jersey who arrived in the island on June 17, having been issued with an exemption certificate the day before. The group, who have now left the Isle of Man, consisted of executives from a company which operates a nursing home and domiciliary care company here.

Mr Quayle said the exemptions to enter the island were granted because the company wanted to increase bed capacity at a nursing home which was due to receive a number of residents from the Abbotswood home.

They wanted to ensure it was ready in terms of operations and compliance. A new manager for the group’s domiciliary care company had also been installed.

The group was exempted from 14 days self-isolation on the condition that when not working they would isolate at their hotel in Douglas.

A detailed plan and risk assessment had been provided.

Mr Quayle said: ’The party went through the correct application process and all relevant agencies will have been aware that the visit was taking place.

’The allegation that has caused concern about this particular visit is that the group breached the terms on which they were here by leaving self-isolation to have a meal in a public place.’

Mr Quayle said the company has now provided a full itinerary of the group’s time in the island.

He said the circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the police. ’While this is happening, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further,’ he said.