Extra staff training at crematorium

Douglas Council has outlined steps to minimise the impact of coronavirus on delivery of front line services, should the pandemic reach the Isle of Man.

The authority's 'crisis management group' has met to plan how emergency housing repairs, waste collection and operation of the crematorium can continue in this event.

To date, the government has described the risk posed by the novel virus as 'low', with 25 people in the Island tested, and no confirmed cases.

Council leader David Christian says staff are being prepared to work in other departments to ensure critical services can be maintained.

Additional staff are being trained to operate the Island's only crematorium, which is run by the council.

It's to ensure it can be manned if extended opening hours are needed or other workers fall ill.

As the largest social housing provider on the Island, the council's housing department will prioritise emergency repairs and operation of sheltered housing.

Should the virus spread across the Island, the authority may ask staff to work from home, cancel public events, and suspend face to face meetings.

Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne asked Mr Christian to explain the council's contingency plans: