Following the announcement that restaurants, lidos, and out-door cinemas will be allowed to reopen their doors this coming Friday, Tourism authorities announced establishments would have to get a compliance certification sticker, displayed at the entrance.

Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli addressed a press conference together with Malta Tourism Authority CEO Johann Buttigieg to provide further details on the guidelines and protocols outlets must follow to ensure the highest standards.

Asked twice by journalists whether establishments would need to have the sticker displayed before opening their doors to the public, Ms Farrugia Portelli said did not give a clear answer, repeatedly stating that several restaurants have taken this time to been making arrangements to cater for social distancing measures, and that by Friday many would already have the sticker.

Minister Farrugia Portelli said that the use of the MTA COVID-19 helpline, 21692447, has been widened to respond to any queries about the protocols, which are to be followed by restaurants (including snack bars and cafeterias), outdoor establishments and lidos and hotels.

Establishments must carry out a self-assessment and then call the helpline when they are ready for a joint inspection by the MTA and the health authorities, who will then issue the compliance sticker.

Mr Buttigieg said it is of paramount importance for establishments to report any irregularities.

“Those who have got the sticker should not relax, and must maintain efforts to ensure protocols continue to be monitored at all times. Inspections will continue to take place randomly, at any time, in order to ensure guidelines are followed,” Mr Buttigieg said.

“Who does not follow protocols will have their sticker removed, and if a second breach is found, the establishment’s licence is suspended and is sealed off.”