All schools and child care centres will close for a week as from Friday, the Prime Minister said today.

The government is also suggesting that all public mass activities are postponed, including weddings. It is irresponsible for the private sector to go against what the government suggested with regard to mass activities, PM said.

Addressing the media, Abela said that primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary education classes will be stopped betwen Friday and the following Friday, noting that a decision on what to do after that will be taken next week.

Asked about the MEA's suggestion for a shutdown between 19 March and 24 March, Abela said that so far there is no need for a blanket shutdown, but nothing precludes private companies from taking a decision to close business for a short period of time.

He said these are uncomfortable decisions that need to be taken in the circumstances. Abela added that the Labour Party will be at the forefront of limiting gathering and would cancel all political activities until further notice.

He said that Mass will be broadcasted on TVM2, as will the rosary, as of Monday.  He added that the Archbishop will be announcing further details in this regard.

In cooperation with the Malta Football Association, all senior fixtures will be played behind closed doors, at least for the coming weekend.  Youth matches in Malta and Gozo meanwhile have all been postponed.

Abela said that there was no need for panic, noting that the government will continue to take decisions proactively.  He said that they would continue listening to the public, but also to public health experts.

Health Minister Chris Fearne said that day care centres for the elderly will also be closed.  He repeated an appeal for all the elderly to stay at home, and for children especially not to visit them, noting that this demographic remains the most vulnerable to the virus.

He said that the government will as of Monday ensure that two months worth of medicines will be delivered to 140,000 elderly people under the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme, so to further avoid the elderly having to leave their houses.

He said that the number of people operating the 111 helpline will be extended from 10 to 50 operators, and that a new helpline - 21411411 - will be opened later today for use by those who are under quarantine. Those under quarantine may phone the number if they require assistance for the acquisition of medical or food supplies, Fearne said.

Education Minister Owen Bonnici said that Malta will be one of eight countries which has so far closed its schools on a national level.

He said that they had taken an incrememental approach, but had seen the number of absentees in schools grow to abnormal levels in the past days.

Bonnici said that he is informed that the University of Malta has already prepared itself to provide lectures and material online. He said that in schools of compulsory age the situation is different as the decision must be taken in tandem with the unions.  He said that a meeting is scheduled to take place and spoke of his hope that an agreement will be reached so that education can continue while the students are at home. 

Answering questions from journalists, Abela rejected notions that the government was being reactive in its measures, noting that they were following the situation on an hourly basis as it continues to develop.  He said that the government will continue to be proactive in the measures it takes to stop the spread of this virus.

He said that it is not yet necessary to impose the closure of restaurants or bars at the moment, but appealed to owners no to encourage mass gatherings. "It is not the moment to show how strong we are; it is the moment to put everyone's health first".

Asked by this newsroom for more clarity about where the leave for those who are under mandatory quarantine will be taken out of, Abela said that matters such as this will be discussed in the very near future, noting that the first priority was taking decisions in favour of the public’s health.

“The country is making sacrifices, and the people must also make sacrifices”, Abela said although he added that the government is not going to be insensitive to those who are most vulnerable.

“I understand especially those who are vulnerable or poor that these measures can have a very negative impact and we definitely will not be forgetting this demographic of people”, Abela said.

He said that this point will be discussed today, and proposals will be put forward by the government for discussion with the respective unions.