Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne confirmed that the Government is in talks with members of the Curia, the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) and cultural stakeholders so that from July onwards, “limited and controlled” social and cultural activities can recommence.
He also confirmed that for this initial reopening of events, which he calls “social and cultural activities”, only those with a vaccine certificate will be able to attend.
The Health Minister confirmed, when responding to questions by the press, that those who cannot receive their vaccine for medical reasons and have an official note from their doctor confirm this, will be exempt from needing the vaccine certificate to attend activities.
Minister Fearne confirmed that spontaneous mass activities, where there is no control of those entering or exiting an event, will not be permitted.
He also added that in the coming days, the Government will announce a programme of activities that will be permitted from July onwards. Minister Fearne added that the health authorities will then assess the impact of allowing such events on a fortnightly bases and assess whether restrictions can continue to be lifted.
Members of the entertainment and events industry have rejoiced at the news, after an intense campaign pressuring authorities to provide the sector with some form of a reopening plan. Until recently, authorities did not entertain the idea of limited reopening of events.
Owner of Gianpula clubbing village Matthew De Giorgio took to social media to say “today is a very emotional day for everyone in the entertainment industry. We are getting back to work in July”.
Earlier today, the ‘Restart’ campaign, bridging together Malta’s entertainment sector, proposed their own timeline for the reopening of events in a limited way. They call for the return of full capacity events by September 2021.
Clubs and parties have effectively been shut since August 2020.
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