New measures announced: clubs, bars, discos closed

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New measures announced:
clubs, bars, discos closed

In light of the rather sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks, the Maltese government has introduced a fresh set of measures.

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci announced a number of measures this morning, most of which swing into action as of 8am, Wednesday 19 August.

The measures are as follows:

Bars, nightclubs and discos will be closed. Only those with restaurants will be allowed to remain open. Here, only seated patrons will be served
There will be no more boat parties. Harbour cruises will be allowed. However, social distancing must be adhered to
There will be no gatherings of over 15 people
Masks will be mandatory in closed public spaces, apart from in restaurants
Weddings will have to be held in a seated environment as of 28 August, with no more than 8 people per table and food and drink to be served at table
New amber list will be introduced

With regards to the amber list measure, Fearne explained that those countries on the list will need to produce a negative COVID-19 result in the last 48 hours, before being allowed into Malta. Those who do not produce the negative certificate will either have to get a swab test done here or go into quarantine.

The countries affected by this measure will be announced later this week and will be enforced as of midnight, Friday 21 August.

As it stands, Malta currently has 607 active cases. However, Fearne said that the new measures are aimed at reducing the spread of the virus in the community.