Visits to patients at Mater Dei Hospital have been suspended.

The health authorities said that "this preventive and control measure was taken to safeguard patients and workers at the hospital because of the spread of COVID-19.

"The exception will be for children recovering at the hospital or in extraordinary circumstances. In these cases, hospital staff will be informing the relatives in question."

"Even though this measure will be difficult for patients and their loved ones, everyone must recognise that this is an essential measure taken in everyone's interest. This measure had already been introduced at St Vincent de Paul and at state homes for the elderly.

Even the Gozo General Hospital will, as from tomorrow (Friday), suspend visits to patients as a precautionary and control measure because of COVID-19. From Monday 13 April, outpatient and clinic services will be transferred to the Barts Medical School."