As the number of Covid-19 cases in Guernsey hits four, Freedom Travel boss Jan Wozniak, has revealed his worry about the status of the air bridge.

Mr Wozniak said: ’In light of the current Guernsey Covid-19 pandemic outbreak of cases, as reported by Isle of Man news media, we, as a well-established Isle of Man travel agent and tour operator, are faced with grave public concerns, regarding the exposure from the currently operating travel ’Bubble’ between Isle of Man and Guernsey, and the non-requirement for self-isolation, when entering the island from Guernsey.

’A directive was given to parents encouraging them not to take children off island for the half term break, due to the self-isolation requirement of 14 days, and the missing of education upon return, arising from this.

’However the Isle of Man’s Government encouraged parents, who wished to go away for half term, to travel to Guernsey as this was exempt, with the existence of the air corridor/bubble.

’What is the situation now, knowing the virus is alive in the community in Guernsey, and the freedom of movement between the two islands, with no self-isolation requirements.

’Parents are concerned, that children could carry it straight back into our island schools, and themselves back into their place of work, and the wider public at large.

’The public are extremely concerned, as expressed to ourselves as agents, in the press, and on social media.

’We need urgent clarification, so that we may explain to our clients, what measures are to be instituted to protect the public at large.

’Grave concern is being expressed due to the current arrival of a fight from Guernsey yesterday, and which coincided with the announcement of the Bailiwick closure of care homes, and passengers who arrived into the Isle of Man, who are freely moving around, possibly carrying the virus, and from which we have no protection, due the non-requirement for self-isolation, and no testing in place at the border into our island.

’Please clarify, what precaution will be in place by Government for self-isolation and Isle of Man border testing, to prevent Isle of Man contamination of the virus to our Manx residents.

’Will recent arrivals be traced, tested, and required to self-isolate, and further tested in seven days, and if clear, be returned to Guernsey?

’At the beginning of the Covid outbreak we contacted the Government for clarification of the Isle of Man and air bridges, and the reply was that, the Isle of Man Government would only allow travel by Isle of Man residents to Cvoid free countries.

’This air bridge is currently operating and transporting clients to an area which is not Covid free, and has no procedures in place, for the protection of passengers, and the greater public, from pandemic risk, and it is incumbent that the government vigorously address, and expediate this matter with immediate effect.

’Based upon all contained herein, we believe the Isle of Man are unable to fly direct to Guernsey under this current crisis situation, without carrying out the self-isolation requirement as current under Isle of Man law, and border testing.’