Whenever the Isle of Man Examiner gauges public opinion, we always aim to present a range of views.

On the subject of the island’s borders, however, there was no disagreement to be found.

Every person we met said virtually the same thing: do not ease the restrictions on the island’s borders any further. At least not yet.

We’ve never seen such a united response to any subject.

This opinion was echoed by those who preferred not to be named or photographed, and the many people who offered a quick answer before making a sharp exit.

Even though she has been separated from much of her family, Margaret Cain still supports the border restrictions: ’All my children are in the UK right now and I haven’t seen them since January,’ she said.

’But we are safe here. I’d keep the borders closed until the pandemic is over’.

For many other island residents, the biggest loss is the chance of a summer holiday.

James Douglas and partner Mary Moody were supposed to be going to Tenerife in August: ’Obviously that’s not happening now, but I wouldn’t want to be going,’ Ms Moody said.

Both agreed that the current restrictions should stay in force: ’We can’t afford another lockdown as the economy has suffered pretty badly already,’ Mr Douglas said.

’At least people can go back to work and we’ve got some kind of normality back.’

Douglas resident Chris Holmes agreed: ’I don’t have a problem with keeping the border closed for now’, he said.

’If we’ve got no infections, let’s keep it that way.’

Technically the borders aren’t completely closed, but until the so-called ’air bridge’ with Guernsey is established, travel to the island is only possible with Government clearance.

The Bibby family, who moved from Guernsey to the Isle of Man in February, are planning to get to know the island instead of taking a holiday this year: ’Even if we could go, I’d be asking if it was worth it.

’I don’t know if I’d be able to relax,’ Mr Bibby said. ’I don’t think they should unlock the borders any more, certainly not to the UK until they’ve sorted themselves out.’

Although he has no plans to travel any time soon, James Bishop sympathised with those who will miss their holidays - and with the authorities who must decide when to ease the border restrictions. ’It’s a very tough call and I’m very glad that I don’t have to make it. I really hope that they get it right.’

According to the Government’s framework document, the next step will allow island residents to travel if they self-quarantine for 14 days on their return.

Mrs Cain, however, preferred to continue the current arrangements: ’I don’t have confidence in taking away travel restrictions,’ she said. ’I’m happy with the way things are, but I do miss my children.’