The new restrictive measure related to the wearing of face masks in all public places has been defended by the health authorities, with them saying that “this measure remains the least disruptive of all public health measures, whilst having been documented even internationally to be a very effective one.”

The wearing of face masks has also been considered to be the least noxious, in view of the importance of the upcoming season to the population’s mental health, the health authorities said.

To mitigate the spread of the virus, the health authorities explained that they take international guidance and apply it to the local context. Consultation occurs with the relevant medical specialists, depending on the issue, amongst them the Clinical Chairperson for the Pathology Department at Mater Dei Hospital.  

Every person over the age of three must now wear a face mask in both indoor and outdoor public spaces. Anyone who decides not to wear a face mask outdoors after the measure was introduced on Saturday will risk a €100 penalty if caught.

The decision to reintroduce the measure of mandatory wearing of face masks comes following an increase of Covid-19 cases in Malta and amid concern about the relatively new and highly transmissible Omicron variant.

The reintroduction of this measure has left many baffled at the decision, sparking a public backlash as people are asking why masks are necessary for individuals in uncrowded spaces outdoors.

Malta currently has 1,464 active cases of Covid-19, with 23 of those receiving treatment inside Mater Dei Hospital.

The Malta College of Pathologists has also condemned the decision, saying that “it does not make sense and it would be better to limit large gatherings to reduce the spread of Covid-19, rather than impose the wearing of masks in public.”

Consequently, the Malta Independent spoke with the respective authorities to get insight on the matter. They explained that European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidelines are advocating the need for strengthening such measures across the European territory. It is also apparent that measures are required to restrict the risk of spread of infection with the Omicron variant.

“Whilst the Omicron variant has not yet been detected in Malta, the country is not immune to the realities that exist, and even though the tight control at the airport is important, one can typically delay or slow the spread of the new variant rather than prevent it entirely,” the health authorities said.

Considering the rising number of Coronavirus cases in the lead up to the Christmas period as well as the spread of the new Omicron variant, EU countries are being pressed on the prospect of more restrictions being imposed, with some even having opted to restrict social mobility and various other aspects of everyday life.

“In light of the Christmas period, the health authorities felt that rigorous use of face masks is the most appropriate public health measure that can be implemented. We are aware that more countries are mandating the use of face masks in public places, with the number rising from 14 early in November to 16 early in December.

The use of face masks has already proven itself locally to curtail the growth in Covid-19 numbers and it will help to protect the general public over the Christmas period, both against the Covid-19 virus and the seasonal influenza,” the health authorities said.

The health authorities once again urged the public to take the booster vaccine, saying that the strongest measure against the virus is through re-establishing community immunity with booster vaccines.

“The faster we achieve a high vaccine coverage in Malta with the booster vaccine, the quicker the rise in cases will be curtailed and the more prepared we are to minimise the damage by any future omicron outbreaks,” the health authorities said.

This depends on three factors including the supply of vaccines from abroad, the speed with which the population is immunised and the compliance of the population to come forward and receive the booster.

The first two factors are being handled efficiently by the health authorities, while the third factor is dependent on the public, the health authorities said.