Coronavirus: Man arrested for failing to self-isolate on the Isle of Man
The Manx government says anyone arriving on the island must self-isolate for 14 days, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Friday 20 March 2020 15:51, UK
A man has been arrested on the Isle of Man for failing to self-isolate, as authorities enforce coronavirus-related restrictions.
The 26-year-old man arrived on the island by boat yesterday and was arrested after failing to comply with the island's new rules.
The Isle of Man government says anyone arriving on the island must self-isolate for 14 days, to stop the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement police said: "We currently have one male in police custody for failing to adhere to the new legislation requiring him to self isolate.
"Please follow the guidance issued by the government and think about the safety of the community.
"This is an ever evolving situation and it is important we act in the best interests of keeping people safe."
They said the man was being held in a specially cleaned area of custody designated for people who should be self-isolating.
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The Manx government has warned that anyone who does not follow self-isolation rules on arrival on the island could face a £10,000 fine or three months in jail.
The arrest comes on the same day the island confirmed its first case of the coronavirus.
In a statement, the Isle of Man government said: "A patient on the island has tested positive for coronavirus.
"The patient had recently returned to the Isle of Man from a trip to Spain.
"The public health team has been in touch with the patient to provide advice and support, and will start contact tracing."
The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea.
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The UK currently has more than 3,000 cases of the coronavirus and at least 144 people have died as a result of the disease.