Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne found himself in an awkward position as he faced journalists with questions on the whereabouts of the Prime Minister at a time when the government was announcing new measures as Covid-19 cases continue to climb.

Abela returned to Sicily to continue his holiday after coming back on Sunday for a few hours. Fearne would not be drawn into answering the question, saying that he was not the person to give such information.

Several journalists asked the same question during today’s press conference, and each time Fearne skirted around it, saying that he was not going to answer questions if not pertaining to the Covid-19 situation.

Abela is facing criticism for leaving the country last week at a time when the number of Coronavirus cases reached an all-time high. The PM returned for a few hours on Sunday to take part in a programme on the Labour Party media, but returned to Sicily soon afterwards.

He has been pictured and filmed in Marina di Ragusa.