During today’s press conference, the Ministry of Health said that new measures will take place from May 2. This was made feasible since “Malta has the most vaccinated populace,” according to Fearne.
As of May 2nd,
Only those who test positive for Covid 19 must follow quarantine.
The quarantine period will be seven days for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. On the seventh day, a PCR or rapid test will be performed, and if the result is negative, the patient will be released from isolation.
If the test is positive, it must be repeated on the third day following the seventh day. This is valid for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Primary and secondary contacts are not obliged to stay in quarantine whether vaccinated or not.
Same household contacts are not obliged to quarantine but it is recommended that they do PCR/ rapid test on the 3rd day even if no symptoms are present. This applies to vaccinated and nonvaccinated persons.
Exceptions for quarantine are – Hospital patients, and elderly homes which in this case they should stay isolated if there is any positive case present.
Regarding Mask mandates- Fearne said that from May 2 ” Masks will not be obligatory with exceptions in hospital, elderly homes and during flights.”
He also said that according to the legislation published yesterday from Monday, April 25, the masks are not obligatory in schools and the student or staff can decide if they want to wear the mask or not. This is the law he states.
When asked by a journalist if the school can decide to make its regulation about masks, he replied that the school can make its regulations and the health authority will not interfere in this matter. He brought the example of sugar/ cakes being prohibited in certain schools, ” That is not law but a regulation of the school.”
Another journalist asked if the same applies to shop owners, Fearne replied ” If any shop owner was to decide not to allow people entering their establishment without a mask, it is not within the Public health to intervene but the individual can legally take this case if they wish to do so.”
For travel from Red / Dark red zones, the same regulations apply that one can enter with a negative PCR, Vaccine certificate, Recovery pass.
As of May 2, the PLF passenger locator form will no longer be in effect.
Free testing will still be available for locals in testing centers except for the Hal Farrug Swab testing center as this will not be offering this service anymore.
Covid helplines 111 and 145 will be operating from
7am-6pm – Monday- Friday
7am-4pm- Sunday & Public holidays.
Weddings, Cultural events, English Language school, and other events will return to normal from May 2.
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