Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday morning that further measures are to be eased from Monday, the 10th May.

Restaurants and snack bars may open till 5pm with only 4 customers per table, from 5pm they can then offer take-away service.

Travel restrictions between Malta and Gozo will also be removed from that date.

Non contact sports to resume without spectators, contact sport training to resume, open markets to start, catechism classes to resume and extra curricular events to resume.

Bars and social clubs will not be allowed to open from 10th of May, the Prime Minister said that these have been the worst affected, and they will “not be left alone.” Gyms will also not be allowed to open yet.

He went on to say that the 10th of June is still the target date for the country to open for international tourists.

He stressed that the priority will be given to the health of the public, work is underway for activity to be generated for Gozitans and Maltese during the summer. He said that the vouchers for the public would be issued in the future.

Abela also said that penalties for breaching Covid regulations will remain at the current rate.

Also speaking at Sunday’s press conference, Health Minster Chris Fearne, stated that the authorities are insisting that visitors to Malta will have to produce a negative test certificate before boarding the plane, this is crucial to protect the country and without one they will not be allowed to board the flight to Malta, he said.

A vaccine certificate will be introduced in Malta sometime during May, making travel easier.

He stressed that mass events, including parties will not be starting in June, they would only be allowing “safe and cautious” tourism.

Dr Fearne also warned that should health protocols were not followed and cases then increase, measures could be re-imposed.

Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci explained that as from tomorrow, with non-essential shops reopening etc, those that use changing rooms can open them, but they must be sanitised and clothes tried on have to be “quarantined” for 72-hours. Only one person per four metres squared will be allowed to enter shops.

Visits to Mater Dei and Mount Carmel and Karen Grech can resume from tomorrow and 4 people can gather in public, while people from 4 different households can gather at home.

Weddings are planned to commence from the 1st of June – but will be as per the restrictions for restaurants – seated at table of up to 6 people, unless from the same household/bubble. Outside up to 300 and inside up to 100.

Weddings must have no dance floors, food served at the table and masks worn apart from when eating. There will be no bars or buffets allowed. Musicians have to follow relevant restrictions.

Photo by Alain Salvary

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