The Covid-19 pandemic has led to engagements being cancelled and staff working fewer hours, but Government House keeps ticking over.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney has told the Examiner how life at Government House has changed since the virus led to major disruption to island life.

With large gatherings banned and people told to stay at home, Sir Richard said that inevitably many events both at Government House and in the community have been cancelled.

Sir Richard said: ’As elsewhere, life has turned inside out: all events cancelled or postponed for months, one of the three office staff coming in, on shorter hours, in order to help me, and one or sometimes two other staff, also on shorter hours, to keep Government House ticking over.

’Keeping strictly to social distancing is easy in these big rooms!

’Diana and I are keen to have some exercise: usually a brisk walk around Onchan. As the weeds start to enjoy spring, there’s also plenty of gardening to do.

’We know we are fortunate to have as much space.’

However, far from having to find ways to fill the hours, Sir Richard continues to take on work. He has recently agreed to be the patron of the Manx Solidarity Fund, which is supporting residents and organisations through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Patron

Sir Richard said: ’I was happy to agree to become patron of the Manx Solidarity Fund because people and companies I trust were supporting it.

’When I take part in a meeting with them, which is due to happen very soon, I shall encourage them, in particular to complement the range of business support measures which the Isle of Man government has announced.’

Sir Richard spoke alongside Chief Minister Howard Quayle last week when the first death related to Covid-19 was recorded in the island.

During the conference he expressed his deep sorrow over the death, which he said was a tragedy for the family concerned, the community and the island.