MHKs criticise 'lack of compassion' in government's repatriation plans

Tue, 14 Apr 2020

A number of MHKs have questioned the fairness of the Manx government’s plans for returning residents.

At a virtual sitting of Tynwald today, members picked over regulations to do with the repatriation process, whereby 30 randomly selected Manx people stuck abroad will be held in mandatory quarantine at the Comis Hotel for 14 days.

Thirty of the estimated 400 stranded residents will return tomorrow and are being asked to pay the costs of their accommodation, travel and meals.

Health Minister David Ashford says these costs are capped at £1,000, but Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper described asking people to pay for mandatory quarantine as ‘abhorrent’.

It’s understood those who can’t afford to pay up-front will be asked to do so over a longer period.

Mr Hooper tabled an amendment to take out the clause whereby residents were excluded from the repatriation process if they have been staying in a property they own, or one of a close family member.

Middle MHK Bill Shimmins wanted to know why those returning couldn’t self-isolate with their families.

According to Mr Ashford, the ‘tough decisions’ taken on repatriation are guided by clinical advice – he highlighted the risks a breach in quarantine could pose in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine called out what she saw as a ‘lack of compassion’ from government towards those who’ve been ‘stranded through no fault of their own’.

Mr Hooper’s amendment was voted through unanimously and the order approved.

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