Protocols for seated events, such as the Malta Film Awards "are clear" the Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci has said, adding that deviances are investigated, the Times of Malta reports.

It reports that Gauci refused to speak about the awards ceremony specifically, and limited herself to saying: "We are in contact with Malta Tourism Authority who actually give approvals for events following risk assessments"

A number of audience members at the awards were seen maskless, despite Covid rules for seated events requiring that masks may only be removed when eating or drinking.

The event was attended by politicians and other VIPs.