The Federation of English Language Teaching Association of Malta (FELTOM) is calling on all the concerned authorities to immediately ban all forms of mass gatherings such as massive parties, concerts and public gatherings. The Association highlighted the encouragement of such gatherings as "outright irresponsible and short-sighted".

The statement was published on Tuesday, where Malta registered a total of 34 active cases of COVID-19. On Tuesday, the Health Authorities reported seven new cases, out of which two are classified as imported, while one has been linked to a Hotel Takeover Party cluster of cases. A total of 18 cases are now linked to the party.  Three out of 18 were reported to be three English Language students.

"Many businesses, organisations and front liners have sacrificed a lot over the past months, yet just as a sacrifice and commitment started to bear some positive results and improvements, we are now facing a potential new wave of COVID-19 cases," read the statement.

FELTOM highlighted that whilst schools, offices, restaurants and a number of businesses are operating with high additional costs due to the required precautionary protocols, large gatherings such as parties had led to a spike in COVID-19 cases and have no protocols what-so ever imposed upon them.

FELTOM said that it is taking the current situation very seriously. "A decision has been taken to cancel the annual teenage parties usually hosted for minors by FELTOM - even though precautionary measures could be put in place. The decision was taken because together with our member schools, we did not wish to sacrifice the reputation of the country and its saleability as a safe and serious destination in the way it is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic."

"A fresh spike in cases can potentially harm what up till now was Malta's 'ace up one's sleeve'- that of being one of the safest destinations for travellers - given that cases are very low thanks to the way Malta's health authorities have handled COVID-19. In fact, some schools have already begun to receive calls as to whether agents should continue to push Malta as a safe destination."

FELTOM, along with many other businesses believe that this moment is not about being calm and positive, but "being realistic and humble enough to admit that it is still very early to declare victory."

FELTOM has called upon the UPE to stop taking personal advantage out of this situation through "sensationalism."

 "Contrary to what UPE try to suggest, FELTOM's interest remain that of protecting the EFL industry and its member schools that are constantly abiding by all guidelines and protocols."

FELTOM highlighted that all member schools were advised to follow FELTOM's guidelines in regards to using masks and following social distancing before the publication of the official protocols by the health authorities. "UPE's sensationalism and selfish attitude risk the very industry that employs teachers and administrative staff."

FELTOM said that the authorities need to be vigilant, prudent and strict in the face of this pandemic, which is still amongst us. "Unless these mass events are stopped, we will soon have to face a new lock-down which will be devastating, not only for tourism but for all the country and its economy. Who will then shoulder the responsibility?"