The Malta Chamber of SMEs has issued a statement welcoming the announcement that a number of sectors will be allowed to open following further easing of restrictions, such as allowing restaurants and hairdressers to reopen.

“This is yet another necessary step towards our country’s move towards the new normality.”

SME Chamber President Paul Abela remarked that “whilst health concerns remain and these should always be kept well within everyone’s sight, Malta’s results on the health front have been consistently improving.

“The health authorities should be commended in this respect. The results our nation derived from their guidance and strategy speak for themselves. The health authorities should continue enjoying our full trust and cooperation.”

The SME Chamber added that balancing health and economic priorities is not an easy task and finding a point where both start to converge is indeed very welcome.

“With the gradual easing of restrictions, no economic miracle is expected but it will be another loop in Malta’s chain of economic recovery.”

The SME Chamber continued to say that COVID-19 did not only impact physical health, and that the severe economic impact has caused many people great anguish.

“Apart from severe economic challenges, many other health problems and anguish have resulted out of COVID-19 due to people losing their normal income, drastic and prolonged changes in routine and feeling of loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression. The announced steps, that come with the blessing of the health authorities, will serve our society at large well.”

The Malta Chamber of SMEs emphasised that great care and responsibility must be exercised by the economic operators and consumers alike to continue adhering strictly to health guidelines.

“Our collective cooperation in the days to come will once again prove vital for our country to be able to progress further.

Other countries are also enjoying their own successes on the health front and this is also being “matched with progress on the economic front. As an SME Chamber we note positively that Malta is not lagging behind and we look forward to further developments in this regard in the weeks to come.”