Be the first to comment!Masks mandatory outdoors as from tomorrow, bars to close at 11pm from Monday
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At a press conference this evening held at the Auberge de Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela, Health Minister Chris Fearne, Minister for the Interior and National Security Byron Camilleri and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci, announced new measures that will come into force aimed at helping combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus, with enforcement at the heart of the message.
The Prime Minister stressed that the situation is “under control” even though the number of cases have gone up, calling on everyone to have respect for others and to be vigilant until a vaccine comes out which he said would be in 5-6 months time.
Among the measures announced will be the obligatory use of facemasks everywhere as from tomorrow, including in the streets, workplaces and all public outdoor spaces, failure to do risks fines being issued by the authorities, there will be an initial week’s grace on fines to allow for adjustment – so will come into force on the 24th of October, they will be increased from €50 to €100.
Masks must be worn at all times in both primary and secondary schools, but need not be worn by children under the age of 3.
Bars, catering establishments, entertainment venues and band clubs, excluding restaurants, will have to close at 11pm, as from Monday.
Enforcement will be made by the MTA on entertainment establishments, Public Health Directorate on quarantine enforcement and assisting Police, Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA) on public transport inspections, masks – all Covid related, Police on public measures including groups.
Rapid testing, which will happen there and then, will be introduced at the airport, emergency areas, homes for the elderly and schools from the 28th of October.
Health Minister Chris Fearne announced that in the first six days 75,000 people received the seasonal flu vaccine, adding that more have been ordered which will result in 250,000 vaccines being available.
Photo: DOI/Clodagh O’Neill
