During a press conference today, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that for the sake of the Maltese and Gozitan people’s health, which he said, remains the priority, and in order to keep the situation under control, mandatory quarantine will now be extended to everyone entering Malta, irrespective of their country of origin.

This means that with effect from today those arriving from abroad will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine, anyone who does not fulfil this obligation will incur a fine of €1,000 for every contravention.

Ai Malta, in an update as clarification, has advised that as recommended by Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health and strictly inline with the commendations by WHO, IATA and EASA, Air Malta’s cockpit and cabin crew operating return flights do not need to observe this quarantine. “This waiver of quarantine is given since crew don’t leave the aircraft at any time,” the airline said.

The Prime Minister went on to say that, as announced earlier today, one of the first people who was infected with Covid-19 is to be released from the hospital, adding that the 12 people who had tested positive for the virus all are in a good state of health.

“This further confirms that we have the situation under control in this country, there is no need for panic and we appeal for calm,” said Dr Abela

He stressed that he realised the fine which applies if someone does not comply with the quarantine is very tough, but reiterated that it is made to serve as a determinant. “I will not tolerate a breach of quarantine obligations, because this means that we are failing in our responsibility as government to the Maltese and Gozitan people,” said the Prime Minister and went on to explain how regular spot checks will be carried out by police.

Dr Abela also called for the cooperation of those persons considered Third Country Nationals who have permission to work in Malta, to comply with the rules of quarantine. If this does not happen, then there will be € 1,000 fines and work permits will be revoked, with the resulting consequence of being deported from the country.

The Prime Minister advised that from this evening everyone crossing on Gozo Channel from Cirkewwa to Gozo will have to undergo screening.

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne said that the helpline 21411411 is for those who are in quarantine, so that they can request medicines and foods etc to be delivered to their homes.

He explained that in Malta there three depots, one in the north, another in the centre and another in the south of the island, from where the food can be distributed.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that measures will also come into effect to reduce the number of people visiting health centres unnecessarily, including an online medical consultancy system which is being developed

These services will be announced in the coming days, said Dr Fearne.

Photo: DOI/Jason Borg

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