Live music starts Monday after latest Covid decisions announced

LIVE music can be performed from Monday onwards, according to new Covid decisions issued this week. The ban on live performances had been due to be lifted on May 27, as previously reported, but was brought forward under the latest rules issued by the Communicable Diseases High Committee.

“As of May 17, the Committee has decided to allow live music in the outdoor spaces of restaurants, patisseries, cafes and taverns and to open beaches and outdoor swimming pools within the specified rules,” the announcement said.

Musicians who will play live music must repeat PCR tests once every seven days. In addition, a letter of undertaking will be signed by these sectors and they may be closed if it is determined that they are not complying with the specified rules.

On Monday, the current night-time curfew will start at 10pm, instead of 9pm, and then 11pm on May 27.

The all-day Sunday curfew currently in force could be lifted after May 27, providing that there is no new spike in Covid-19 cases. Until then only chemists, bakeries and petrol stations will be open on Sundays, with takeaway delivery services allowed.

The eligibility criteria for home quarantine using the electronic wristband has

been widened to include over-60s and under-18s.

According to the decisions, the closing hours of retail and merchandising services and all services and sectors not specified as closed will be extended by one hour from Monday onwards. Working hours will now be from 8.30am to 9pm; markets will be allowed to open from 7am to 9pm; restaurants, cafes, patisseries and taverns will serve between 10am and 9.30pm.

“Demonstrations, rallies and ceremonies” can now be organised in open areas with a maximum of 150 people, but are still banned in indoor spaces.