During a joint press conference on Friday morning, Prime Minister Robert Abela, with Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne and Prof Gauci, they announced some of the measures to be eased that had been put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Fearne advised that there were 2 new cases confirmed, which included 1 Gozitan, the other is from Hal-Far.

The Gozitan had experienced no symptoms, however tested positive during random testing.

One of the measures to be relaxed from Monday is travel to Gozo, which had been restricted since the beginning of April.

Everyone must wear a mask on the ferries, and only a controlled number of passengers, which is not the same number as before Covid-19 will be allowed on board

The Prime Minister, during the press conference, praised the public for obeying all the directives, saying that measures will be lifted in a “gradual way.”

Some shops will be allowed to re-open from Monday, the 4th of May, precautions will be applicable and details will be explained by Prof Gauci, Abela said.

He went on to say that aim is by the end of the month, if things continue to improve, “to re-open the majority of shops we closed.”

However, he stressed that it does not mean everything will be open by end of month, this includes the airport. He said that restaurants and cafes etc, will also remain closed.

Abela went on to say that if things do not go well, the government will have to reintroduce these measures. “The virus is still with us, retains its same strength, and can still cause the same damage. As such, the measures which will remain in place must be observed with the same discipline as before.”

The Prime Minister also said that the number of people gathering in public places will be raised to 4 from Monday.

Regarding the financial package launched by the Government, the Prime Minister said that the salary supplement of € 800 per month, will continue to be given because the Government “has confidence in businesses and workers.” He said it would have been unfair to stop this aid immediately.

Health Minister Chris Fearne advised that 2 people tested positive in the past 24-hours, with 1,200 tests made.

He stated that as from Monday, children’s vaccinations will be carried out at Health Centres, screening against cervical cancer, and eventually of the breast and the larger intenstine, will also resume after it had to be temporarily halted.

At Mater Dei, more endoscopies will start being carried out for intestinal and stomach tests.

The number of CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds will also increase. He said that these changes will be impelmented while at the same time retaining all the preparations made for Covid-19.

Dr Fearne explained that shops to open with restrictions will be: Lotto booths, VRT, clothes, handbag and shoe shops, jewellery and accessories, perfumeries and cosmetics shops, eye-wear, home decor, discount shops, toy and hobby shops, souvenir shops, furniture and florists. However, he stressed that beauticians are to remain closed.

He stated that anyone who goes into these shops, or use public transport must wear a mask and observe the social distancing measures in order not to return to the previous situation, people in queues will be required to stay 2 metres apart.

Dr Fearne said that there were enough masks to supply everyone, which may be distributed.

Shops will not be able to open in the same manner they used to before. “This is a new normality to which we have to adapt” he said.

With the aim of protecting the health of clients and workers, everyone who enters shops, including those open today, will be required to wear a mask.

Every shop will only permit one client per 10sqm of store space, excluding empolyees. This criterion must be affixed to the shop so that everyone knows how many individuals can enter the shop.

At every entrance there will be hand sanitizers so that everyone entering and exiting the shop can keep their hands clean.

In shopping malls, no more people than the total of that number of people that the individual shops are permitted to take in may enter, and every person entering must have their temperature checked. Changing rooms for clothes may not be used.

He also said that those considered as vulnerable  such as the over 65s and persons with chronic illnesses, should still remain indoors for the present, except for essential purposes.

She advised that another 16 persons have recovered, making the total now 383, with 96 active cases and 4 patients have died.

Photo by Alain Salvary

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