Health Minister Chris Fearne blessed us with some great news this Monday morning, as he revealed that most of the COVID-19 restrictions that are still in place are set to be eased very soon!  

Said announcement was made during an over-the-phone interview on local morning show TVAM, as the Health Minister tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Luckily, Dr Fearne noted that thanks to the vaccine booster, he only had cold-like symptoms. 

So, what’s changed?   

The use of masks, which is no longer obligatory but recommended outdoors, was one of the first measures to be lifted, but that’s not all... 

Schools   

The efforts of many parents who have worked tirelessly to ‘unmask’ their children seem to have paid off, as students will no longer need to wear masks in schools after Easter break! This change comes into effect on 13th April.  

Events    

From 10th April, standing events outdoors will no longer require a vaccine certificate. COVID-19 bubbles are no longer in place as there is no limit to how many people can hang out in the same crowd. Indoor standing events will still require a vaccine certificate.  

Traveling  

From 12th April, those traveling to Malta from a country on the red list will be allowed into Malta, provided that they present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours), vaccine or a recovery certificate (not older than 180 days).  

Self-testing  

COVID self-testing will finally become legal in Malta this week! This comes as a way for the government to encourage more self-regulation and place less importance on strict measures.   

If the result turns out to be positive, the person must quarantine and speak to their general practitioner.   

Voluntary booster  

Malta will also offer a second booster to those who are considered vulnerable. Anyone with immuno-compromised conditions and care home residents are eligible for this jab. This second booster will be administered on a voluntary basis and will not have an impact on the vaccination certificate.   

During the interview, Health Minister Chris Fearne noted how the number of cases in the community increased over recent days, with the seven-day moving average being 640 new cases daily.  

He also indicated that despite the rise in cases, the number of people in the ITU still remains low, with five people with COVID receiving intensive treatment. This is the lowest rate of people in ITU in all of the EU, meaning that immunity in the community is high.  

How do you feel about the easing of these restrictions?