As of today it is mandatory to wear surgical masks or visors in shops and buses, as per legal notice announced by the government on Friday.

Shoppers, shop assistants and people on public transport have to wear masks to protect themselves and others from spreading the Coronavirus.

Until yesterday, the wearing of face masks in shops that had remained open during the crisis, such as supermarkets, was optional. As from today, it is mandatory.

Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci has described this as “the new normal”.

Today, some non-essential shops have re-opened after they had been closed for several weeks, while non-essential travel to Gozo will resume, with limited numbers.

The number of people allowed to gather in groups has been increased from three to four.

The non-essential outlets which reopened today are: lotto booths, VRT testing stations, clothes, handbags and shoe shops, jewellers, perfumeries and cosmetic shops, home décor, discount shops, toy shops, furniture shops and florists.

While shoppers are not allowed to try on clothes in shops, owners could allow customers to take garments to try them on at home, and if any garments are returned, they would have to be kept separately in quarantine for at least 72 hours.