Following from the announcement made yesterday evening that tattoo studios and the remainder of retail and service-based outlets would be allowed to reopen this Friday, the Health authorities have now published guidelines for how tattoo studios are to operate.

Tattoo studios were asked to close their doors on 21st March and will join one of the last sectors of business to reopen.

Among the measures being introduced, staff are encouraged to wear a surgical or cotton mask or visor when providing service to a client and clients must wear masks at all times unless instructed otherwise by the service provider due to an impact on the process.

Here is a list of the mandatory conditions for tattoo studios as provided by the health authorities:

Mandatory conditions to be observed by Tattoo Studios

Ensure that maximum capacity of clients inside the studio at any one time is one person per 4 square metres, including staff.

Acrylic or tempered glass barriers should be fitted in reception areas (2 metres from the floor).

Workstations/ chairs must be kept at a minimum distance of 2 metres from each other or separated by an acrylic or tempered glass barrier which is 2 metres high. These barriers must be cleaned and disinfected properly after every client (see section studio environment).

Hand sanitizers must be made available at the reception area and near all workstations for employee and client use (sanitizers with sensors are recommended).

Clients (and suppliers) must wear a mask (covering mouth, nose and chin) or visor at all times unless instructed otherwise by the service provider due to the process being undertaken.

Staff should wear a surgical or cotton mask or visor when providing a service to a client

All equipment and surfaces used should be disinfected after every client.

Obligations relating to Chapter 270 of the Laws of Malta ‘Control of Tattooing Act’ remain applicable.

The document also offers guidance on studio administration, how to communicate with clients and hygiene protocols to be adopted.

Read the full document here.