Bars and clubs to shut down till 1 December, maximum group sizes reduced

The government yesterday announced the introduction of a number of new restrictive measures to limit the spread of COVID19.

The measures will come into effect on 29 October.

From that date, bars and clubs will have to close completely, a government statement read. This measure will remain in place until 1 December at 6am.

Snack bars and kiosks can remain open, however, they cannot under any circumstance offer or sell any alcohol to clients and must remain closed between 11pm and 5am each day.

In addition, from Thursday 29 October, the maximum number of people allowed in groups in public spaces will reduce from 10 to 6.

This means that groups of more than 6 people in public spaces, including in queues or on bus stops, is prohibited, unless the two metres social distancing rule is adhered to. This measure, the government said, does not apply to people who live in the same residence. The fine for those who do not abide by this measure will increase to €200, but if it is paid before proceedings before the Commissioner for Justice begin, the fine will be €100.

These measures are coming into effect after consultation with the Superintendent of Public Health to limit the spread of COVID-19, the statement read.

The measures were announced on the day that Malta saw its 53rd COVID-19 victim.

The man, who was 73 years old, tested positive for COVID-19 on 10 October. He was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital on 18 October and passed away yesterday.

The Health Ministry said that the man suffered from another chronic illness. The ministry expressed its condolences and urged everyone to follow the COVID-19 guidelines.

During their daily update yesterday, the health authorities said that 80 new cases of COVID19 were found.

It was the first time in some 12 days that the number of cases found in a single-day was below the triple-digit mark.

63 new recoveries were also found, meaning that the number of active cases continues to rise and now stands at 1,895.

2,811 swab tests were carried out between Sunday and Monday, taking the total number of swabs up to 320,715.

The authorities said that yesterday’s cases are still being investigated, but gave details of the cases reported on Sunday.

Out of the 125 COVID-19 positive cases reported on Sunday: 31 were family members of previously known cases, 8 were contacts of positive work colleagues, 8 were direct contacts with other positive cases, 3 were from social gatherings, 2 were imported, and 1 was from Paceville.

The total number of cases since the beginning of the outbreak now stands at 5,578. 3,630 of those have recovered, while 53 people have died.