WATCH: Schools to reopen in staggered approach from Monday, non-essential shops, services to open 26th April

Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced a staggered approach to the reopening of schools as from Monday, while non-essential shops and services can reopen to customers as from 26th April.

In addition, wedding celebrations will be permitted as from 1st June with necessary protocols in place.

No date has been set for the reopening of in-house dining for restaurants, catering establishments and bars, however, Dr Abela said the authorities are working to save summer so that such businesses can receive a much-needed boost with the presence of tourists.

A €20 million aid package announced last week aimed at boosting the ailing tourism market will serve as a boost to all businesses in Malta that depend on tourism.

From Monday, childcare centres, kindergarten students and primary school students will return to school. From Tuesday, middle school students will return, while on Wednesday, senior school students (Form 3 – Form 5) will return.

Post-secondary school students will continue with distance learning for the time being.

From Monday, Mater Dei will recommence elective surgeries, while visits to homes for the elderly will again be permitted.

A limit of two people allowed to gather in public will be lifted to four on 26th April.

It was also announced that a second round of COVID-19 vouchers will be issued once businesses are allowed to reopen.

No mention was made of a lifting of restrictions permitting only two households to mix indoors, nor a lifting of non-essential travel to Gozo.

In addition, no timeline has been provided for the resumption of organised sports as well as gyms, cinemas, museums and pools.

With regard to the current limit on two households being permitted to mix indoors, Dr Abela said the Government is aiming for 26th April.