The wearing of masks in all outdoor and indoor public places will be mandatory as from Saturday, Health Minister Chris Fearne announced on Thursday. This measure also applies to those who are fully vaccinated.

The wearing of masks, as well as the administration of the booster vaccine, are the effective measures in keeping Covid-19 under control without affecting businesses he said, and is aimed at also ”saving Christmas.”

Dr Fearne reiterated that how until now it was mandatory for a vaccinated person to wear a mask in public places, on public transport, in establishments, in schools, and during events, and explained that the exemption from wearing of the mask for groups of two people who are vaccinated will be suspended from Saturday. Therefore, the use of the mask will be mandatory for everyone.

The Health Minister also warned that increase in the number of cases is expected in Malta as immunity in those who have been vaccinated has started to reduce, this combined with an increase in social activities during the festive season.

So far, he said that no cases of the new variant have been detected in Malta, however the health authorities are ”anticipating the arrival of the Omicron variant,” just as has been the case in other EU countries.

Dr Fearne stressed the importance of the public following the measures and remaining vigilant. He reminded those who have gatherings in their homes to keep to a maximum of four households, a restriction that is still in force.

The Health Minister noted that the number of new cases are going up in Malta as in other countries. The number of patients being treated in hospital has gone up to 27 including 4 in the ITU. He did however stress that the numbers are ”under control”

Dr Fearne explained that to date, 85% of elderly people aged 70+ have taken the booster, as well as 65% aged 60 to 70 and 30% aged 50 to 60. Registration is currently open for those over the age of 50.

The booster can start being given after four months from the second dose, so with effect from today, those who took their second vaccination dose more than four months ago and those who are aged over 50 can register for the booster dose, Dr Fearne said.

The first vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 will arrive in Malta on Monday, the Health Minister said, and children in this age group can start being vaccinated from the next day – it is one-third the adult dose.

He explained that vaccinations will start being administered to those vulnerable children, and will then according to age.

Dr Fearne also said that the flu vaccine season has not yet picked up in our country, and appealed for anyone wishing to receive this vaccine to do so as soon as possible.

He stated that so far over 92,000 flu vaccines have been administered so far, and that from Monday this vaccine will also be offered in a number of clinics across Malta, in addition to health centers where it has been given for the last few weeks.

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