At a press conference today, Health Minister Chris Fearne has announced that Malta has achieved “herd immunity.”

He advised that by this evening, 70% of adults would have received at least one dose of vaccine, with 42% being fully vaccinated.

Dr Fearne went on to say that 475,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered and on some days around 8,000 doses had been given, the equivalent to a vaccination every 5 seconds.

The European Commission, which had presented the target of 70% for all member states to achieve by the end of summer, did not state whether this figure was related to fully vaccinated persons.

As from the 1st of July, providing the vaccination rate continues at the same pace those who are fully vaccinated need not wear masks in outdoor public places, he said.

This will only be if case numbers remain low, and for vaccinated people outdoors alone or with another vaccinated person, he said.

However, the Minister advised that masks will still be mandatory for groups of more than 2, or if another person with them is not vaccinated. Masks will still have to be worn when inside public buildings, shops or other establishments.

The Health Minister also reminded the public that from the 1st of June masks need not be worn by the sea.

He also explained that a number of talks are underway with stakeholders from the social and cultural field in order to draw up a “gradual and secure plan” for the release of further measures from next July. Dr Fearne stressed that, “the key to everything is the vaccination rate and the more people are vaccinated the more we will be able to release the measures quickly.”

The vaccination certificate will also be launched in July, which the Minister said would allow the “gradual” restarting of some events.

Permalink: Malta achieves “herd immunity,” mask rule to be relaxed from July – Fearne