Proposals on re-opening measures to get business going again have been submitted to the health authorities, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said.

Acknowledging the cooperation extended by the constituted bodies, he said blueprints on which other countries were basing their decisions were also taken into consideration when looking ahead.

His comments came during a press conference held this morning with Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia where an update was given on the roll-out of business-aid measures. 

While phase one consisted of assisting businesses facing the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, in phase two, talks were being held with stakeholders to phase in the gradual opening of certain businesses and the phasing out of certain assistance.

Mr Schembri pointed out that the Government’s idea was not to stop the financial assistance immediately after a business re-opened, so it was not a matter of rushing to open up so the aid could be halted.

Mr Schembri said that, following the talks with the constituted bodies and the stakeholders, the Government submitted a set of proposals to the health authorities with the aim of re-opening and pushing getting the economy going again.