COVID-19 regulations repealed, vulnerable people no longer required to stay at home
A legal notice within the Public Health Act titled ‘Repealing Regulations, 2020’ has repealed the remaining COVID-19 regulations that were implemented over the past four months due to the pandemic.
This includes the subsidiary legislation that saw to anyone classifying as a vulnerable individual remain in their residence due to higher health risks.
On Monday evening, the Prime Minster announced the third relaxation of measures alongside Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci and Health Minister Chris Fearne who said that Malta “has won the war” against the pandemic.
The legislation shows that as of today, 5 June, a number of orders and regulations are hereby being repealed;
Protection of Vulnerable Persons Order (S.L. 465.33)
On 28 March, the Superintendent of Public Health Gauci issued an order for all vulnerable people to remain in their residence, as a measure to reduce, remove or eliminate the threat to public health seeing that they are more prone to getting complications if they contract the virus. This applied to persons over 65 year of age or over, pregnant women and persons suffering from chronic illnesses or medical conditions listed in the subsidiary legislation.
This did not apply in the event that the vulnerable persons need to leave their residence to attend medical appointments, obtain medical care or treatment, acquire food, medicine or other daily necessities, or attend other essential or urgent personal matter. The point was to limit the period outdoors to the least time possible.
The Superintendent could also exempt anyone within this category in her absolute discretion.
This has been repealed.
Number of Persons in Public Spaces (Increase in Number of Persons) Order (S.L. 465.41)
This order was first issued on 30 March, wherein the Superintendent of Public Health had made it illegal to congregate in groups of more than three people in public, in order to limit interaction between people and reduce chances of transmission.
Anyone who did not abide by this rule was liable to a €100 fine each.
This number was later increased to four people and, more recently, the number went up to six.
Starting from today, this limitation will be completely removed, however, the health authorities have released guidelines which show that group events are limited to seventy-five persons and social distancing regulations must still be abided by.
Closure of Places Open to the Public Order (S.L. 465.21)
On 17 March, Gauci ordered the closure of all bars, cinemas, gymnasiums, museums, exhibitions, discotheques, night clubs, indoor swimming pools, massage parlours, gaming premises including controlled ones, bingo halls, casinos and betting shops.
These will now be allowed to reopen as it was revealed during last Monday evening’s press conference but under strict protocols issued by the Malta Tourism Authority and the health authorities.
Other legal notices repealed include the closure of the Local Tribunals Order, the closure of Non-Essential Retail Outlets and Outlets Providing Non-essential Services Order, and a number of enforcement orders.