Schools, child care centres to close for a week – PM

All schools and child care centres are closed for a week as from today, Prime Minister Robert Abela said yesterday.

Abela stated that primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary education lessons and lectures will be stopped between today and the coming Friday, noting that a decision on what to do after that will be taken next week.

The government is also suggesting that all public mass activities be postponed, including weddings. The Prime Minister was addressing a press conference yesterday and said that “it would be irresponsible for the private sector to go against the government’s suggestions with regard to mass activities.”

Asked about the Malta Employers Association’s suggestion to shutdown companies between 19 March and 24 March, Abela said that, so far, there is no need for businesses to shutdown, but remarked that nothing precludes private companies from taking a decision to close their business for a short period of time.

He noted that these are uncomfortable decisions that need to be taken in the circumstances.

Abela added that the Labour Party will be at the forefront of limiting public gatherings, and would cancel all political activities until further notice.

It was yesterday announced by the Malta Football Association Bureau that it is suspending football and futsal matches from all competitions for the next 10 days, effective from today. This also extends to the competitive and friendly matches, events, festivals and training sessions of the Youth FA and the Gozo Youth FA. Abela remarked that there was no need for panic, noting that the government will continue to take decisions proactively. He said that they would continue listening to the public, but also to public health experts.

Health Minister Chris Fearne said that day care centres for the elderly will also be closed. He repeated an appeal for all the elderly to stay at home, and for children especially not to visit them, noting that this demographic remains the most vulnerable to the virus.

He also noted that the number of people operating the 111 helpline will be increased from 10 to 50 operators, and that a new helpline – 21411411 – was opened yesterday for use by

those who are under quarantine. Those under quarantine may phone the number if they require assistance for the acquisition of medical or food supplies, Fearne said.

Education Minister Owen Bonnici said that Malta will be one of eight countries which has so far closed its schools on a national level.

He remarked that the government had taken an incremental approach in this situation, while also noting that they had seen the number of absentees in schools grow to abnormal levels in the past days.

The University of Malta has informed Bonnici that it has already prepared itself to provide lectures and materials online. However, he stated that when it comes to compulsory age schools, the situation is different, as the decision must be taken in tandem with the unions.

Due to this, he acknowledged that a meeting is scheduled to take place and spoke of his hope that an agreement will be reached so that education can continue while the students are at home.

Answering questions from journalists, Abela rejected notions that the government was being reactive in its measures, saying that they were following the situation on an hourly basis as it continues to develop. He asserted that the government is being proactive with the situation and will continue to be proactive in the measures it takes in order to stop the spread of this virus and ensure that people are safe.

He said that it is not yet necessary to impose the closure of restaurants or bars at the moment, but appealed to owners not to encourage mass gatherings. “This is not the moment to show how strong we are as companies; it is the moment to put everyone’s health first”.

Asked by this newsroom for more clarity about where the leave for those who are under mandatory quarantine will be taken out of, Abela said that matters such as this will be discussed in the very near future, noting that the first priority was taking decisions in favour of the public’s health.

“The country is making sacrifices, and the people must also make sacrifices,” Abela said. However, he assured that the government is not going to be insensitive to those who are most vulnerable.

“I understand, especially those who are vulnerable or poor, that these measures can have a very negative impact and we definitely will not forget about these people,” Abela said.

He noted that this point will be discussed further, and proposals will be put forward by the government for discussion with the respective unions.