Valletta’s iconic Caffe Cordina has decided to close its indoor space to the public, limiting tables and chairs to Piazza Regina.

“We are also spacing out the rows of tables in the Piazza, in an effort to increase space between patrons,” Luca Cordina, a member of the Cordina family, remarked when asked to comment.

Clients are still being served at the bar, Mr Cordina added.

A number of restaurants have chosen to close their doors as from the weekend, such as restaurateur Rafel Sammut’s decision to close Briju and the Pulled Meat Company.

Others have decided to close their doors to the public but continue to serve clients through delivery services, such as New York Best in Sliema.

During Thursday’s press conference, Prime Minister Robert Abela said he has not yet received official advice to close businesses and commerce, adding that this could change at a future date.

People are encouraged to stay at home and avoid social contact where possible.

Business lobbies, such as the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Malta Business Bureau, the Malta Chamber of SMEs and the Malta Employers Association have called on Government to assist businesses, especially those sure to experience cash flow problems.

The government is working to launch significant economic measures to support businesses being impacted by the economic slowdown brought about by COVID-19 virus fears.

“The measures that will soon be announced are possible thanks to a mindset which fosters the creation of a surplus that this government has generated over the years, as well as a thriving economy. The decisions made and those that shall be made are in the best interest of our country and the nation,” the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, Silvio Schembri, said.