With effect from Friday at 8am, fully vaccinated Maltese residents travelling from “dark-red” zoned countries and who have a vaccine certificate, can quarantine at home, not in a hotel as had previously been the case.

This was announced by Health Minister Chris Fearne, who went on to explain that this would only be possible if other residents in the same household are also vaccinated, quarantine in a hotel would still be necessary if the household numbers more than five, or if anyone was not vaccinated.

These people must make the request to quarantine their residence by clicking here.

Children under the age of 12 would only require a negative PCR test, he said.

The Minister also announced that that in the coming days, following discussions with representatives of food and beverage establishments, there will be a change in the protocols for establishments which choose to accept only customers who are fully vaccinated.

Dr Fearne added that, “while this is a voluntary choice of private entrepreneurs, those who choose to abide by these protocols will benefit from the reduction of further measures.”

He went on to say that with effect from Friday morning, the Canadian vaccination certificate will also be accepted by Maltese authorities.

Countries on the red or dark red list will be changed this week, Dr Fearne said. This is because the Mu variant, not the Delta one, is now considered to be of most concern, and there is the need to stop it entering the country.

91% of all those eligible for the vaccination have now been fully vaccinated, he said. Dr Fearne added that authorities have now started on a programme for the booster dose for these needing it. By the end of the week it will have been offered to all residents in homes for the elderly.

These shots are currently also being given to those who are immunosuppressed. While as from Monday, the 27th of September the 70+ age group will also start to receive invitations to take the booster jab.

The Health Minister concluded by saying that there is currently one unvaccinated patient in ITU, the other four are immunosuppressed, saying that this shows that the virus still poses a danger for these people.

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