Covid-19 precautions have seemingly been thrown out the window.

The ever decreasing number of people who currently have the virus in Malta brings hope of normality returning. The lifting of restrictive measures added to that hope, and people began throwing out their masks, standing shoulder to shoulder with others, hugging and shaking hands once again.

Were the virus no longer a threat, all this would be fine and welcome… but it still is.

While numbers in Malta are low, numbers abroad in certain countries are not. Malta has opened up travel to select destinations, and the number of destinations will continue to grow. Yet flight passengers who spoke with this newsroom had aired concerns about the lack of social distancing while travelling. One passenger said that the plane was filled, no seats vacant between rows. Once landing, the shuttle bus was also packed, people shoulder to shoulder.

Wouldn’t it be more prudent if, given that Malta is slowly overcoming the virus, we minimise risk to further outbreak by adhering to social distancing measures, especially in enclosed spaces?

Locally speaking, restaurants still seem to be abiding by the table distancing, or at least a number of them are, which is very positive. Maltese people are going out to eat too, which shows that confidence is again rising. Obviously diners are not expected to wear masks.

But then when walking in shops for example, the number of people wearing masks or visors is small compared to those who don’t. This is selfish. Have some respect and protect those around you.

It is good to get a sense of normality back into our lives, but let us not forget that such normality can be taken away in an instant. We all passed through it last March and April. The country needs to prevent a second outbreak, but in order to do so people must remain cautious, and not return to the way things were last February.

When a vaccine becomes available, then everyone can relax once more.

The virus is still relatively new, and we might not yet have seen its full effects. Sky News published an article yesterday reading that the long-term effects of the Coronavirus could be worse than originally thought, even on people who had only suffered a mild infection. “Psychosis, insomnia, kidney disease, spinal infections, strokes, chronic tiredness and mobility issues are being identified in former coronavirus patients in Lombardy, the worst-affected region in the country,” Sky News said, warning that all age groups are vulnerable and stressing the importance of wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing.

While opening the airport was a necessity to help the sustain the economy, given the sheer importance of the tourism industry to the country, public health must come first. Social distancing should continue to be a priority, and the wearing of masks and washing of hands must continue to be heavily encouraged.

The country has done well so far, let us not falter now.