Man arrested for refusing to self-isolate over Covid-19
A resident of the Isle of Man has been arrested for refusing to adhere to rules requiring individuals to self-isolate.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Constabulary confirmed that the 26-year-old male, who has not been identified, was taken into police custody after failing to adhere to new legislation introduced in the Island’s response to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Under new emergency measures brought in earlier this week, anyone arriving on the Isle of Man must self-isolate for at least 14 days. Those who break the law could face a fine of up to £10,000 or three months in prison.
The man is understood to be the first person held in the British Isles for breaching quarantine rules. He is being held in a sterile area at the force headquarters in Douglas, specially designated for those who should be self-isolating.
The island’s emergency legal powers came into effect at 11:59pm on Tuesday (March 17). Chief Minister Howard Quayle said the pandemic was “the gravest threat” the island had faced in generations.
He said: “We cannot allow our critical health services to become overwhelmed and must have the means to prosecute those who choose to act irresponsibly.”
Legislation to allow police in England and Wales to take similar action against those who refuse to self-isolate is currently moving through parliament.
