Despite uncertainty growing in the island due to coronavirus, a number of organisations and individuals are giving help and hope.

As it stands, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus (known as Covid-19) in the island. However, the fear of Covid-19 has led to panic buying and a rise in self-isolation.

Ellan Vannin Fuels (EVF) has announced that to help customers of retirement age and above, the Alexander Drive filling station in Douglas will open exclusively for them tomorrow (Friday) from 2pm and 3pm.

A spokesman said: ’This will allow our customers of retirement age who do not have family members to shop for them, the opportunity to shop and stock up on essential items without worrying about large crowds of people.

’We will ensure plenty of long-life groceries are available as well as toilet roll and also plenty of fresh fruit and veg, frozen and chilled foods, and we will be working with our excellent local suppliers to ensure we are prepared to assist where we can.

’All customers can have a free drink on us and if you bring in an empty spray bottle we will fill it for free with sanitiser spray for you to use at home.

’We also encourage you to leave your contact details should you have to self-isolate and need any essentials dropped off to you and we will try our best to assist.’

EVF is putting plans in place at their other stores around the island to help the vulnerable during an hour period each week. Forms are provided so that customers can write down any items they would like to see in stock. EVF said they would try their best to get the items in stock for next time.

A Facebook group called ’Coronavirus Help Isle of Man’ has launched for residents to ask for help or provide it.

People have offered books, dog walking support for those in self-isolation, spare beds, paid work, information on local produce and more.

Residents are also sparking a bit of joy amid fears by putting up Christmas decorations for passers-by to see.

Denise Moore, of Maughold, has taken to Facebook to encourage people to put their lights up.

It comes after she saw Philip Pain of St John’s posting a photograph of his home in festive lights on the ’Manx Photographers’ page.

She wrote: ’Get your fairy lights out!

’Let’s hit the news with some good vibes. It’s one visible way to show love and strength and if it just makes one person smile as they are walking past or looking out of the window, well, that’s good enough for me!

’We are a bit too far apart in our houses sometimes on the Isle of Man and everybody is going through such a rubbish time at the moment, maybe we can’t sing from balconies like the Europeans but we can share a bit of cheer.’

Some teachers are letting parents know they are happy to help home-schoolers or those remotely or digitally educating their children.

Laura Wynne, a teacher at Ballakermeen High School, has said she can help with questions both academic and technical to do with her subjects French and physical education.

Otherwise she can refer people to other teachers.

Beach Buddies founder, Bill Dale, has organised a list of the charity’s volunteers who wish to help others here.

He said: ’We already have around 60 people as part of our team.

’We intend to offer to collect shopping or prescriptions or other urgent needs all over the island.’

Volunteers who want to help can provide their email address and mobile number by emailing [email protected]. This information will remain private.