Is the Isle of Man part of the UK? Why the island's lockdown restrictions have been lifted

The Isle of Man woke up to loosened restrictions on February 2.

Manx people are now now longer required to wear face coverings, while social distancing is no longer obligatory.

The islanders have become the subject of envy from all corners of the United Kingdom as citizens of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales continue to live under strict lockdown conditions.

Why have restrictions been loosened on the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man entered its second lockdown on January 7 after recording a rise in Covid-19 cases.

The island came out of its lockdown on Monday after there were no reports of unexplained community cases of coronavirus for 17 consecutive days.

Schools and businesses will reopen, with residents no longer asked to stay at home and precautions such as social distancing and face coverings now a matter of personal choice.

Border controls restricting travel to the island remain in place.

In a public briefing on Friday, Isle of Man Chief Minister Howard Quayle said: “Today is the 17th day where we have seen no unexplained community cases.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a cause of real optimism. It is clear we are heading in the right direction.

“I must thank the great Manx public for making the right decisions even though at times I know it was tough.”

Where is the Isle of Man and is it part of the UK?

The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea between the northwest of England and Northern Ireland.

Despite its proximity to England the island is not part of the United Kingdom.

The island has its own parliament and is a British Crown Dependency.

Queen Elizabeth II is the island’s head of state and holds the title of Lord of Man.

How has coronavirus impacted the island?

Since the beginning of the pandemic the island has recorded 434 cases of coronavirus, 15 of which remain active.

Twenty-five people on the island have died after contracting the virus.