In a joint press conference this evening with Prime Minister Robert Abela, Health Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci, details were announced of a list of measures to be eased starting on Friday.

The Prime Minister stressed that health remains the top priority. “Today, a rational step towards a better quality of life, based on medical and scientific facts, was taken.”

He went on to say the objective facts show that Malta has a very low rate of active cases, has prepared for every contingency, and that the increased number of beds and equipment remained unused, with the absolute majority of patients recovering by themselves at home.

“In this context, it does not make sense to keep the country closed. Decisions cannot be taken based on fear but on responsibilit,” the Prime Minister said.

Protocols are to be issued by the health authorities in relation to these relaxed measures.

These include the opening of restaurants, tables to have with a maximum of six persons who must be from the same household, with a set distance between tables, among other restrictions, tables should be outside where possible. Snack bars and cafeterias may also open, however bars cannot.

Service providers such as barbers, hairdressers, beauticians and nail shops can also open with restrictions.

Groups of four in a public place has now been increased to six persons, but with the advice to follow social distancing.

Open-air cinemas will also be allowed to open and again must adhere to two metre social distancing.

Individual sports can start provided that there is no contact between persons, this includes diving and tennis. Outside pools can open, however the number of permitted people will be half the normal capacity.

Training outside will be allowed from Friday in groups up to six, this will be made up by five athletes and a coach. Gyms are to remain closed.

Hotels may open under distancing protocols, however travel will remain suspended and the airport closed.

Further health services will also resume, some local clinics will reopen, others include outpatients clinics, IVF services at Mater Dei, non-urgent operations, and screenings. Mental health services in the community are to be extended.

Funeral Masses will resume from Friday, guidelines are to be issued by the Curia regarding numbers able to attend etc.

For full details of the mitigation measures on Hairdressers and Barbers, Beauticians, Nail Technicians and Nail Artists, Outdoor Theatres, Outdoor Cinemas and Drive-in Cinemas please click here.

Photo Alain Salvary

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