New measures targeting the carnival weekend will be announced tomorrow, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday. 

He did not give details on what the measures may consist of, but ruled out a total lockdown or a curfew on open establishments.

The measures will come amidst concerns that many people will once again mingle with each other during the carnival weekend, which could cause an increase in cases similar to what was seen following the Christmas period.

Abela also said that bars will not reopen as planned on Monday, with their closure being extended once again.  

Abela, speaking after an MCESD meeting, said that extended aid packages aimed at helping bar owners will be announced in the coming days. 

Bars and clubs have been shut since October as Malta grappled with an increase in Covid-19 cases. They were scheduled to reopen in December, but their closure was extended to the end of January as cases had not decreased. 

That extension was due to end on Monday, but will now go further.  It is not clear till when the restrictions keeping bars and clubs closed will run.