Malta tightens restaurant closing times to curb COVID-19 infections

Malta on Wednesday cancelled carnival events and imposed an 11 p.m. closing time on restaurants to contain the spread of COVID-19, although Prime Minister Robert Abela said there would be no lockdown or curfew. Speaking at a news conference with Health Minister Chris Fearne, Abela said a surge of cases in January had been the result of gatherings over Christmas and the New Year.

Malta on Wednesday cancelled carnival events and imposed an 11 p.m. closing time on restaurants to contain the spread of COVID-19, although Prime Minister Robert Abela said there would be no lockdown or curfew.

Speaking at a news conference with Health Minister Chris Fearne, Abela said a surge of cases in January had been the result of gatherings over Christmas and the New Year. "February is a particular time with many enjoying carnival and mid-term holidays. We are asking people to be responsible and businesses to make some sacrifices," Abela said.

Police and other law enforcement officers will have a stronger presence in the streets and crack down on large gatherings in rented premises. Malta has managed to control the virus largely through a "soap and bubble" policy, encouraging people to wash their hands frequently and confine their contacts to a bubble of only a few people.

The island has not imposed a lockdown and Abela said that, compared to other Europeans, Maltese were "living in a paradise". Restaurants, schools and most businesses remain open but bars and clubs were closed before Christmas and remain shut. The wearing of masks is mandatory.

Travel from high-risk countries is banned and other arrivals are required to produce a negative virus test on arrival. The island currently tops the EU list of per capita coronavirus vaccinations, and hopes to vaccinate 70% of the population by the summer.

The government is providing financial compensation to bars and clubs, and will also issue a second round of 100 euro shopping vouchers to everyone over 16 once it is safe enough for people to go out and mix. (Editing by Kevin Liffey )