“We have enough immunity in the community to ensure that the fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine will not be needed for this winter,” said Health Minister Chris Fearne on Thursday.

He advised that the Maltese health authorities are analysing the situation after each stage of relaxation of measures in order to avoid increases in cases within the community and in hospitals.

One of the main points is that from the 14th of March, the use of masks in open public places will no longer be mandatory. The Minister explained however, that masks remain mandatory only for indoor public places and during mass or organised events.

Dr Fearne stated that as there has been no increase in cases despite the relaxation of the measures taken so far, it will be possible to further reduce the mandatory quarantine period.

Therefore, he said, as already announced in recent weeks, from Monday, the 21st of February, primary contacts of positive people, who do not live in the same residence of the positive person, and who are in possession of a valid vaccine certificate, may complete the compulsory quarantine after five days if a negative test is performed.

Minister Fearne also announced that as from the 7th of March, this same quarantine will no longer be mandatory.

However, as of the 7th of March, Covid-19-positive people, who are in possession of a valid vaccine certificate, can complete the mandatory quarantine after seven days if they test negative. If the test is positive, the mandatory quarantine will remain for 10 days, said the Minister.

As regards quarantine of persons coming from a country in the dark red list and holding a valid vaccine certificate recognised by the Maltese health authorities, from the 7th of March, the compulsory quarantine will be reduced to seven days, unless a negative test is performed.

Minister Fearne also announced that following arrangements with the mortuary, the immediate burial of Covid-19-positive people could take place within 48 hours instead of 24 hours.

He went on to explain how discussions are underway with Maltese stakeholders and foreign health authorities so that graves where Covid-19-positive people, or people who have died of other infectious diseases are buried, can be opened after 5 years instead of after 10 years.

Minister Fearne concluded by urging those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so through walk-in clinics at the University of Malta, at the POYC in Paola, at the Kercem Auberge in Gozo or by appointment at through this link.

Permalink: Further relaxation in stages of Covid-19 measures announced