In a statement, the Tourism Ministry said that no establishments were found in breach of the Legal Notice when a series of inspections were carried out last night to ascertain that outlets are compliant with the decision to stay closed until further notice.

As of midnight, between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March, inspections were carried out in various localities, including Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira, Msida, St Paul's Bay, Buġibba, Marsascala, Fgura, Valletta, and Floriana, by officers from MTA's Compliance & Regulatory Directorate. 

MTA Chief Executive Officer Johann Buttigieg said: "Just as MTA was committed over the past few year to bring record numbers of visitors, we are again committed to work hand on hand with the relevant authorities to ensure that no breaches of the Public Health regulations occur. By ensuring compliance, we will be doing our part to safeguard the wellbeing of the public and to a speedy return to normal operations for our industry."

Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli praised the work that is done continuously by the authority especially in these trying times. Farrugia Portelli said that the ministry together with the authority are committed to ensure the safety of the public so that once this is over, we will bounce back with higher levels of tourism.

The government reaffirmed its appeal to owners and management of catering establishments to cooperate and respect the respective order of closure. Likewise, so as not to defeat the scope of the measure, members of the general public are urged not to group outside establishments providing take-away or delivery services and encouraged not to consume the food in close proximity to each other.

Should anyone encounter any breaches is kindly requested to inform the authority via the helpline: 21692447.