Minister for Health Chris Fearne and Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci, in a press conference this morning, have announced a series of measures to try and help combat the spread of Covid-19.

Opening the press conference Minister Chris Fearne explained that intensive testing and tracing, as well as social distancing measures are helping to control the virus. He added that resources are being increased and thanked all those who are involved in tackling the virus.

On travel, the Deputy Prime Minister explained that an amber list of countries will be introduced, which includes countries that are considered to be of moderate danger.

Every person who enters the country from these listed will be asked to present a negative result of the swab test, which was issued up to 72 hours before arrival in Malta.

In case this certificate is not presented, the person may be kept under a mandatory quarantine of 14 days or be submitted for testing in Malta.

The list of countries will be reviewed weekly and there will be a period of 5 days before this measure enters into force for the new countries on the list.

The list will be published in the Government Gazette. This law will enter into force on Friday 21 August at midnight.

“The state will retain the right to conduct sporadic swab tests at Malta International Airport. This is also while other travel restrictions will continue to apply.”

As of Wednesday from 8am, no establishment can allow people who are standing; discos and nightclubs will be closed completely; Bars and clubs will be closed. In the event that these establishments serve food, only this part of the establishment may operate – with the limitation that only seated and food-ordering customers may be served and therefore a person will not be allowed to order just a drink.

Boat parties will not be allowed under any circumstances from Wednesday, he said. however harbour cruises will continue subject to conditions.

Also from Wednesday, gatherings of more than 15 people will not be allowed in public spaces. This measure will not apply to churches, sacred places and funerals, given that they are already regulated by the protocol of strict social distance.

Fearne added the mandatory use of masks has been extended to indoor public places, apart from restaurants and there will be fines for failure to follow this measure, and Dr Fearne said that it is recommended that they are also worn where social distancing is not possible.

He explained that weddings will be an exception to these new measures, however, as from Friday, the 28th of August, only sit-down weddings will be allowed, dancing will not be allowed. The restrictions on the number of guests as announced in recent weeks remain in place.

Fearne said that the enforcement measures will be carried out by Public Health officials, Police, Transport Malta, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and LESA officials.

Prof Gauci said that in an analysis it was noted that where there was alcohol and loud voices, such as shouting, this aided transmission of the virus, namely through droplet infection. This had not been found to be the case in restaurants and other sectors.

She went on to stress the importance of social distancing. Prof Gauci added that the introduction of measures can only produce results if everyone cooperates together.

Prof Gauci also said that there are currently 9 patients in IDU at Mater Dei and 2 in ITU,  4 in a specialised ward at Mater Deid, 10 are in Mount Carmel and 13 in St Thomas.

She said that Covid-19 cases in general are mainly from people of middle-age.

Photo: DOI/Clodagh O’Neill

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