Whole household isolation: Students needed more notice, says MSU

Government support scheme available for those isolating away from home

Students needed more notice of the changes to self-isolation rules coming into force later this week.

That's from one of the founders of the Manx Students' Union following confirmation that all people in a household will have to isolate for 14 days if one resident returns to the Island.

Around 90% of the 934 Manx students at universities across intend to return to the Island for Christmas according to a government survey.

From Thursday, whole household self-isolation rules come into force, meaning those arriving on the Island will have to find somewhere else to stay if those they live with aren't able to isolate for 14 days - something Alaia Nicholson says will be difficult for some:

You can listen to Alaia's full interview with Manx Radio's Sian Cowper below:

One Manx student in London says she's worried about the emotional, rather than financial, impact of isolating on her own this Christmas.

Erin has been studying a PGCE in London for the last three months and is due to fly home this December.

She's unable to isolate with her family, and says despite financial support offered for alternative accommodation, she's dreading the experience:

You can hear more from Erin's interview with Manx Radio's Alex Wotton below:

A provider in the south of the Island says students who'd already booked self-isolation accommodation prior to government announcing a support scheme should be able to apply for the payment retrospectively.

Langness Lighthouse Cottages had a student book a two-week stay on Thursday morning - just hours before plans for a £250 payment towards accommodation were announced.

Admin manager Fenella Collister hopes something can be done to ensure early bookers don't miss out:

Hear more about Langness Lighthouse Cottage's preparations to host self-isolating guests below:

Meanwhile, those providing accommodation to returning residents must register with the Department for Enterprise today.

Two dedicated Island-based travel agents are working with accommodation providers to find returning residents a place to stay.

Only those registered with the DfE as a permanent tourist accommodation provider will be eligible for the scheme, and they must register for the select accommodation isolation list by emailing accommodation.dfe@gov.im.

Guidance on hosting guests who are self-isolating has been posted on the government's website.

More information and advice for students can by found on the MSU's Operation Fairy Bridge Facebook page.