The Chamber of SMEs has been informed that some people are organising private parties for the festive season, Deputy President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs Philip Fenech told The Malta Independent.

Fenech is strongly encouraging the public to be socially responsible by abiding by all the health protocals when organising any sort of celebrations during the festive season. This collective effort and balance would avoid putting everyone at risk, not only at an economic evel, but more importantly with regards to people's health, he said.  

With the festive season just around the corner, many families usually organise gatherings during the holidays as an opportunity to reconnect with relatives and friends. However, with the current pandemic, the Chamber of SMEs is appealing to the public to consider how holiday celebrations can be modified in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19. This, in order to keep the whole community safe.

As a Covid-19 precaution, the goverment has announced that bars and entertainment venues are to remain closed until January 2021. This means that these businesses will miss the opportunity to try and get back on their feet during the festive season, he said.

Although the Chamber of SMEs respects such a decision as health is a priority, the organisation has been informed that many people are choosing to book a farmhouse or apartment for the holiday season as an alternative, to celebrate during the holidays since events are not allowed.

Fenech made it clear that he is not trying to put a negative light on the renting of apartments or farmhouses in any way, but this becomes an issue when people who are not living in the same household or who are not within the same bubble are still gathering under the same roof.

"What is very worrying is that the Chamber has been informed that parties are being organised, with DJs being booked or other forms of entertainment, for these private gatherings that go against all protocals both in Malta and Gozo," Fenech said.

Although it is strongly recommended that people organising such events are for those who live in the same household or those who are within the same bubble, it is legally acceptable for people who do not fall under these two categories to do so, as long as they abide by all protocals. He added that such gatherings, however, defeat the whole scope of the national effort that has been seen over the past months. "This not only goes against the efforts of bars and clubs being closed, but it also goes against the national effort elsewhere, starting with the wearing of masks to the way people congregate at their place of work."

He added that one must not forget that when it really boils down to it, the festive period lasts only for a few days, but the damage caused will last much longer. Fenech wasn't only referring to the economic damage that would be further caused but mostly on people's health.

Fenech clarified that "at the end of the day this is something that can only be controlled by our own self-management."

Being responsible is of extreme importance during such a period, and people should look at this situation in a holistic way rather than in a selfish. A care-free attitude will put everyone at risk.

Fenech added that although he is aware this period creates an immense hype amongst many people to celebrate with friends and family, one must understand that this festive period is not like previous years "so we all must adapt as this will benefit everyone in the future."

"There are ways on how to modify Covid-19 celebrations during the holiday season, thus everyone must make an effort and sacrifice to do this for the greater good."

Fenech said that "we should look towards the year 2021 and for Covid-19 numbers to decrease, rather than starting off the new year with more figures due to gatherings not following the health protocols."