This Friday’s relaxation of further measures will also see changes to retail outlets, which have been allowed to reopen since 4th May.

When Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the reopening of specified non-essential retail shops, such as clothing, shoes and accessories, the authorities banned the use of changing rooms with the scope of limiting contact with people and thereby limiting the spread of the virus.

As the Government has taken a victorious tone regarding the spread of the disease locally, supported by low rates of daily transmission (current number of active cases stands at 57), rules governing how retailers must operate have also been updated.

Changing rooms are allowed to reopen, and must be cleaned and disinfected after each client. Any clothing items that are tried on are to be kept aside for 72 hours before another person can handle the item. No items which come into direct contact, either with the body, or with underwear, shall be tried at the shop prior to purchase.

As before from 4th May, no exchanges of any purchased underwear shall be accepted. The need to set aside any returned item for 72 hours has also been retained, as well as the use of masks and hand sanitiser inside shops.

Children’s areas within shops must also remain closed.

Read the full list of updated guidelines, published on 2nd June, here.