Health Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci held a joint press conference on Thursday morning announcing further details on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Dr Fearne opened the press conference by saying that only 9 new Covid-19 cases have been reported over the past 24 hours, and there are currently 23 patients recovering in Mater Dei Hospital, 5 of which are in ITU. He said the positivity rate is 1.2%

He went on to say that providing that the low numbers continue, then further restrictive Covid-19 measures will be eased during the coming weeks.

Dr Fearne explained that this would include restrictions removed for restaurants and snack bars, allowing them to open until 5pm and restrictions also removed on sports activities.

Then from the 24th of May, providing numbers remain low, restaurants will be permitted to open until midnight. Again, only if numbers remain low, then day centres, gyms and fitness centres – group sessions will not be permitted- can open and contact sports for over 17s will also be permitted, pools for swimming only will able to open until 8pm, the Health Minister said.

As regards the airport opening for tourism on the 1st of June, he said that this would be done cautiously, and those who are welcomed to the islands will either have to be vaccinated or produce a negative Covid-19 test before boarding the plane to Malta. In the event that one of these is not presented, the passenger will not be allowed to come to Malta, Dr Fearne said.

Weddings can resume as from 1st of June if numbers remain low and language schools can also reopen.

Depending on the numbers remaining low, Dr Fearne explained that after the 7th of June bars and clubs can open until midnight, however customers need to be seated; cinemas, theatres, summer schools, betting shops and casinos would be allowed to open.

Also from 7th of June, groups of 6 people will be allowed in public and tables of 6 people in restaurants, snack bars, bars and clubs will be allowed.

The Health Minister stressed that talks will be held with stakeholders for a gradual plan on mass events. These, including village feasts “are not a priority” because they may endanger any progress made.

He called on everyone to follow the protocols in place, including the wearing of masks.

On the use of masks, the Health Minister explained how the use of masks is allowing our country to remove restrictive measures at a rapid pace, so in public places the need for the mask will remain enforceable by law.

The only exemption from this restriction, he said, will be on beaches and by swimming pools because it is “not practical,” this is from 1st June. However, the use of the mask near the sea will remain recommended by the Health Authorities.

The Health Minister concluded by once again warning that these measures would only be relaxed providing that the numbers remain low. Adding that the dates were only being advised today in order for people to plan ahead.

Prof Gauci stressed that if the public continues to collaborate and follow the procedures of the Health Authorities, the plan announced for the coming weeks could be implemented.

She said that masks need not be worn on beaches from the 1st of June.

She went on to reiterate that restaurants can only operate until 5pm from Monday and stressed that alcohol must only be served with a meal. After 5pm restaurants can serve take-away food only.

As regards contact sport, she explained that anyone who practices this sporting activity, should reduce social activities, this is in order to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

Prof. Gauci referred to various other protocols that need to be followed at all times, and which can be found by clicking here.

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