Michael Josem, the Liberal Vannin candidate for Douglas East, is implementing a series of protocols to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 while campaigning for the general election on 23 September, 2021.
“With the Isle of Man Government now allowing the virus to spread in the community, we need to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. As leaders in the community, political candidates have a special responsibility to practice good behaviour,” said Josem.
Even though there is no suggestion that Josem has had COVID-19 now or in the past, as part of mitigating the risk of spreading COVID-19, Josem will continue to implement the following protocols:
- Being available for remote/online video conversations with Douglas East residents. Residents who want to have a chat with Josem can email michael@michaeljosem.com or phone 07624 488557. Online video conversations are available over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and other channels.
- Being vaccinated. Scientific evidence indicates that being vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of spreading the virus.
- Carrying a mask available for use indoors. The vast majority of time spent door-knocking is spent outdoors where the risk of spreading the virus is lower. However, Josem carries a mask available for use indoors.
- Continuing to update these protocols as new information comes to light.
“When the Government’s mistakes in February allowed the return of COVID to our island, I returned to wearing a face covering while volunteering for the Isle of Man Foodbank. We need to exercise community leadership to mitigate the risk, rather than the Manx Government’s anti-science attitude of treating COVID as merely a binary issue,” said Josem.

Note about vaccination dates: While Michael Josem volunteered and helped with the COVID-19 vaccination program, vaccination program volunteers were not prioritised in the Isle of Man’s deployment of vaccinations. Consequently, he was vaccinated along with the rest of the 35-39 age cohort.
