A raft of new measures have been introduced to fight against the recent spike of COVID-19 cases, as Malta registered a jump in 135 new cases over the weekend.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci addressed a press conference this morning to announce the new measures.

As of Wednesday, 8am, nightclubs, bars, discos and kazini will be closed, with the exception of establishments also acting as restaurants. Minister Fearne stressed that establishments will not be allowed to serve patrons only drinks, and alcohol may only be served alongside a meal.

From Wednesday, boat parties will also be banned, while a cap on groups of a maximum of 15 people has been introduced.

The Government is also introducing an ‘amber’ country list, to complement the existing ‘red’ country list and ‘green’ country list. The amber list outlines the countries where incoming passengers will have to present a COVID-negative certificate which can be taken 72 hours before the flight at the earliest.

The amber list of countries will be updated weekly while the countries to be included will be announced later today and will come into effect as of midnight on Friday.

Malta has a red country list showing which countries incoming travel is banned from, with special exceptions granted by Prof Gauci alongside a requirement for a two-week self-isolation period.

The green-country list groups the ‘safe travel’ countries where no quarantine or COVID certificate is required.

The use of masks has been extended as a requirement for all closed public spaces, where as it is being recommended that when groups gather, at a maximum of 15, and it is not possible to remain socially distant, masks are to be used.

Recently, the authorities have stepped up enforcement on the use of masks on public transport and the Gozo ferry.

In response to questions by the press, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne refused to divulge why the Prime Minister was not in attendance at today’s press conference.

Prof Gauci announced 69 new cases of the virus over the past 24 hours, keeping up a three-day long trend of 60+ cases.