Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne has called on the public to support one another and take their responsibility seriously to "turn a tsunami into a river."

Fearne was addressing parliament on Tuesday about the coronavirus situation. So far, 38 patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

Fearne explained how the government has introduced a number of quarantine measures for those who are at high-risk, and said that social distancing will help Malta combat the virus. "It is not an easy time; we have closed schools, clubs, restaurants and museums to ensure less people gather together so that we can control the spread of the virus."

He appealed for the public to respect the measures and to take on responsibility. "For those who can work from home do so, we are appealing to the public to follow these measures not just for their families, but for the whole of society."

He said that the Health Authorities are also working on introducing another emergency entrance, especially for those with COVID-19 symptoms.

He said that it is not just a question of ensuring that the medical sector is up to standards, but also that other sectors and services continue during this period of time. "We are ensuring that water and energy services continue, and that telephones and communication services are up to standard. We assure the public that food supply will continue, therefore there is no need to hoard food and the same goes with medicine supplies," said Fearne.  He said that all services are essential and that the government is working to ensure that such services continue.

"We are prepared to face the crisis over the next weeks, but we must all play our part. This will pass, and we must ensure that the standard of living remains high for the Maltese and Gozitans, and we are starting from now planning on how to continue and sustain our success."

Nationalist MP Stephen Spiteri highlighted that it is important to take control of this pandemic.

"When we look at the past, we have seen the Spanish flu kill millions, and we must ensure that we control this pandemic so that this does not happen again," said Spiteri. He highlighted that with the aid of medical technology and better healthcare services, this pandemic will not have the same effect as the Spanish Flu.

"We all carry the responsibility to ensure that we reduce the impact of this pandemic on our country and reduce the amount of people coming together," said Spiteri.  He said that it is important that the situation be controlled and stop more imported viruses coming into the country.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said that now is the time for everyone to give their all.

"Imagine those countries who are currently facing a crisis, and what they are to face after all this? We have spent hours preparing a financial package which will address all the problems brought about due to this pandemic."

Scicluna highlighted that the government is looking into protecting the workers and to ensure that businesses will have the support they need. "There is no doubt that this will leave a negative effect, but we are calling on businesses to hold on to their workers. This moment is not permanent but only temporarily."