Government should offer financial compensation to bars and clubs and not act irresponsibly endangering the lives of people, the Medical Association of Malta said.

The Malta Tourism Authority legal notice issued is completely different from what was announced by the superintendent of public Health, undermining public health measures aimed at controlling the epidemic, MAM said

It was understood that only bars with a licence to function as a restaurant would be allowed to operate as restaurants, as standing establishments present a much higher risk of contagion. Serving a bag of crisps with a drink, does not modify your license, neither does it change the genetics of a virus. Whoever drafted the legal notice is insulting the intelligence of all the Maltese people.

The Ministry for Tourism, by promoting rave parties, has been responsible for causing a major epidemic in Malta with one of the highest numbers of daily new cases in Europe. This has resulted in one EU country after another adding Malta to its black list, leaving the Tourism industry in Malta in tatters and on the way to a complete shutdown. The PMs first public statements in months encouraging discipline amongst people are noted, however they must not be a cynical excuse not to take the responsible decision to stop the spread of the virus

Government should provide financial support and compensation to bars and clubs and not continue to compromise the health of the Maltese people.

MTA officials should realise that disregarding the advice of the superintendent of public health renders itself, and whoever follows its notice liable to civil and criminal damages should patients become seriously ill and die.

MAM council will be meeting today on whether to reactivate all directives.