As more shops remain shut this morning after new measures announced by the government on Sunday, Sliema woke up free of the hustle and bustle that characterises this commercial town.

Bars, restaurants and cafeterias were closed as from last week, but this morning other shops remained closed as the fight against the spread of Coronavirus continues.

What was once a town full of shoppers, moving from one retail outlet to another, now remains quiet. The Plaza has also put out a sign apologising to customers that the Shopping Centre is to be close for the time being and even the car park at the Ferries, where in usual times it is nearly impossible to find a space, is empty.

Photos taken by The Malta Independent show Bisazza Street empty. A street full of retail shops now lays silent.

The Sliema seaside front is also a strange sight, as on a usually Monday morning, the front would be full of joggers, people rushing off to work, and no parking whatsoever. Now the strand and roads are empty.

Photos of Paceville show a similar scenario.