Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Chris Fearne announces lifting of several restrictions and changes in isolation rules.
The mandatory wearing of face masks will only be applicable in hospitals, health clinics, elderly homes and on flights from Monday 2 May health minister Chris Fearne announced on Friday.
Announcing the removal of the majority of the remaining Covid-19 restrictive measures, Dr Fearne urged for a “return to normality with responsibility.”
While pointing out that masks would no longer be mandatory, Dr Fearne called on people to act responsibly and wear masks in crowded in door areas, including public transport.
Dr Fearne was addressing a press conference on Friday together with the Superintendent for Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci.
Among others, the removal of restrictions will see quarantine measures removed for all except for those who test positive. After seven days, the person will have to take a rapid test and if this results negative, they can end their isolation. If the person still tests positive, they will have to remain in quarantine for another three days.
Fearne also announced that weddings and parties will also be back to normal.
He said the removal of most restrictive measures was only possible because of the low numbers in Mater Dei hospital’s intensive care unit.
The minister said that at present 88 people in hospital tested positive for Covid, with 39 of them being treated for the virus. He added that two patients are in intensive care.
Professor Charmaine Gauci clarified with Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), after the Press Conference, that Buffet and Bar Service in Hotels, Restaurants and Bars will return to pre-pandemic. She also informed MHRA that contact tracing will no longer be required from 2nd May.
Prof Gauci reiterated that establishments should keep on practicing all what we learnt during this pandemic in order to keep the situation stable as this is very important for all to have a ‘normal’ summer.
New Covid-19 rules from Monday 2 May:
- Buffets and Bar Service to return to pre-pandemic;
- Masks will no longer be mandatory, except in hospitals, health clinics, elderly homes and flights;
- The passenger locator form for incoming travellers will no longer be mandatory;
- Contact Tracing no longer mandatory;
- Weddings and parties will return back to normal;
- Only those who test positive for Covid will have to remain in isolation for 7 days, irrespective if they are vaccinated or not;
- People living in the same household with a positive case will not need to quarantine but will be recommended to carry out a rapid test after three days;
- There is no obligation on primary contacts of a positive case to isolate themselves;
- Free testing for Covid will remain and testing centres, apart from the one at Ħal Farruġ, will continue operating.