Chief Minister Howard Quayle has announced the relaxing of some Covid restrictions from Friday.

However, his decision to make that announcement during a press briefing just hours after addressing Tynwald has been criticised.

Speaker Juan Watterson said it was ’very disappointed that Government have announced easing lockdown restrictions on Friday to the press rather than facing Tynwald scrutiny until after it takes effect’.

He added: ’How come it wasn’t in the Chief Minister’s statement to Tynwald at 10:30, but is broadcast to the world at 4pm.

’Sadly these sort of actions make Council of Ministers look like they have contempt for Tynwald.’

Mr Watterson’s comments were put to Mr Quayle during this afternoon’s press conference and he was asked why he didn’t inform Tynwald of the plans this morning.

The Chief Minister said: ’I’m disappointed to hear those comments.

’The Treasury Minister (Alfred Cannan) gave a briefing to all Tynwald members, we try as CoMin to give departmental updates behind the scenes so they are well aware of the views of the Council of Ministers and where we’re going.

’The Treasury Minister gave an update to members that we would be looking to relax, or rather make the changes going forward, as long as the data continued for today and the rest of the week.

’Obviously this isn’t happening until Friday, we will still have to look at the data as it comes in to make sure that we can make these changes.

’A briefing had been given intimating that change would be happening. So disappointed but it wasn’t intentional, I’ve always valued the relationship with all Tynwald members to ensure they are fully aware of what’s going on.’