16th March 2020
Update as to the action the Law Society has been taking as it continues to monitor the on-going situation with the Coronavirus. The Law Society is closely monitoring and following the advice issued by Public Health.
The Law Society Building
The Law Society will be closed in the event of an outbreak on the Island. All members will be notified if this step is to be taken. Jacky and Juan will both work from home. Juan will be contactable if needed and contact details will be circulated at that time. Both Juan and Jacky will be able to pick up emails as normal. The compliance team will alternate their days and will be the only ones present in the building.
Currently the library will remain open to members. We would ask that members wash their hands before and after using the computer. Detol wipes have been left out to clean the keyboard. We have contacted our providers asking if they will issue a temporary user name/password to enable members to access the services from their offices/homes. Hand wipes have been placed by the signing-in register in reception and in the library.
The next education event is Speech and Language Therapy in Law to be held on the 24 March. We will monitor the situation and advise members if this or future events are cancelled.
The student lectures will continue for the time being. We would ask all students to observe and follow any precautions and procedures put in place by the person holding the lecture and remember basic hygiene at all times . We will closely monitor this position and advise on any alternative arrangements if that becomes necessary.
We would ask all visitors to wash their hands when arriving at the Law Society. Unfortunately we have not been able to buy any hand sanitisers but once bought they will be left throughout the building. We have left hand wipes out for now.
If you have been to China, Italy, South Korea or Iran in the previous 21 days, contact us prior to your meeting, which will be held by conference call. In any other cases where you have travelled and remain unsure about the level of risk, you should refer in the first instance to the public health guidance issued by the UK government (the link for which is below) which is regularly updated.
Duty Advocate Committee
The Duty Advocate Committee met this morning with the virus being on the agenda. The Committee are monitoring the position and will review the plans and responses received from the Courts, Prison and Police in due course. Enquiries are being made as to what contingency plans are being put in place in the event of an outbreak of the Coronavirus on the Island as noted below.
IOM Government
We would ask members to be aware of the web page set up by the Government that contains details on the virus https://gov.im/coronavirus please also see https://gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-covid-19. As mentioned in the Newsletter we have contacted the Courts and Police Station requesting details of their plans in the event of an outbreak on the Island. We have been told that they are currently following the advice contained on the website. We will be writing to each of the Courts, Police and Prison requesting detailed plans in the event of an outbreak.
3FM has reported the following today:
“New measures to protect Island residents against Coronavirus are coming into force today.
Health Minister, David Ashford MHK, has announced from today anyone showing mild symptoms such as a continuous cough or high temperature should self-isolate for seven days. It’s in line with measures put in place in the UK this week to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, an announcement on sick pay procedures will be made by Treasury Minister, Alf Cannan MHK, in Tynwald next week.”
https://three.fm/news/isle-of-man-news/new-coronavirus-measures-coming-into-force/
We will continue to monitor any further developments.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid have made contingency plans in the event of an outbreak of the virus. Martina Jay will be working from home, with delegated authorities put in place. Both Christine and Alex can also work from home. There may be delays on some payments but priority will be placed on urgent disbursements. Martina will be able to work with emails. For the time being the Legal Aid form must still need to be completed by the advocate. If necessary Legal Aid will consider how applications for legal aid are completed and submitted to the office.
Legal Aid will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as and when required.
General
We do not wish to issue any directives to members but we would ask that you all consider the risks in your offices to staff, clients and visitors, and what precautions you can take to avoid or limit the risks of catching the virus. We would expect that all firms will be putting into practice hygiene measures, limiting face to face meetings where possible, washing hands before and after meeting with clients, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
You should stay at home if you have either a high temperature or a new continuous cough.
We are trying to anticipate any consequences of the virus. We highlighted an issue of clients suffering from the virus wishing to write or amend a will. We are still awaiting guidance from public health in such circumstances. Another potential issue that has been highlighted is in relation to completions being held up due for example to one party having the virus an being kept in self-isolation, or the banks not being open to effect a transfer of funds. We would welcome any comments from members on any potential consequences of the virus but will continue to review the situation regularly.