The Office of the Superintendent of Public Health in Malta has issued updated standards and regulations for the wearing of masks.

These standards, implemented under the Public Health Act Chapter 465 of the Laws of Malta, aim to enhance public safety, and prevent the spread of the virus. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in enforcement procedures, as provided by the Act and subsidiary legislation, a statement read.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound mark on the world, affecting public health, economies, and society at large. The consistent and proportionate use of various public health measures, including vaccination with booster doses and non-pharmaceutical interventions, has played a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus. These measures have effectively reduced the burden on hospitals, decreasing acute hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and COVID-related deaths,” it said.

Following recent developments, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in May 2023 that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has also emphasized the importance of face masks in care settings, particularly in protecting vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

The updated standards, effective from 1 July, 2023, provide clear guidelines on when and where masks should be worn. The following environments require the use of a medical mask, cloth mask, or visor by all individuals, including healthcare workers, patients, and visitors:

In hospitals, face coverings are mandatory upon entering wards and departments where patient care is provided, such as wards, outpatients, theatres, and medical imaging departments.

However, they are not required in staff-only areas, including closed offices and staff rooms. Face coverings are not obligatory in hospital offices, administration areas, general corridors, main reception areas, public canteens, and education centres.

Face coverings must, however, be worn upon entering medical/outpatient clinics, as well as in waiting areas. They are not mandatory in staff-only areas, offices, administration spaces, or general corridors leading to the clinic.

Face coverings are to be worn upon entering residential care areas within old people's homes and care homes for persons with disabilities. They are not obligatory in staff-only areas, offices, administration spaces, or general corridors outside of residential rooms or wards.

Children up to three years of age and individuals with severe medical conditions, certified by a medical professional, are exempt from the requirement of wearing a face mask. These conditions include cognitive impairments, mental health disorders, and respiratory impairments, among others.

Temporary removal of face masks is permissible in certain situations, such as taking medication, receiving medical or cosmetic treatments involving the face or mouth, assisting individuals who rely on lip-reading, consuming food or drink, and when required, for identification purposes.

Public health authorities strongly recommend the use of a medical mask whenever individuals feel unsafe in the company of people outside their household or in crowded environments, although this is not a mandatory requirement. Individuals at high risk for severe Covid-19 are advised to wear an FFP2 respirator mask.

“While masks play a vital role in limiting the spread of infection, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for other preventive measures, such as maintaining physical distancing, practicing cough and sneeze etiquette, practicing meticulous hand hygiene, and avoiding touching one's face,” the statement read.

It is also advised not to use masks during strenuous work or vigorous exercise unless the sport or activity does not involve vigorous exercise and is practiced in the vicinity of other people.

Authorities also said that the success of masks in protecting others depends on the type of mask worn and correct usage. It is crucial to ensure that masks cover the nose, mouth, and chin, are kept in place, and do not become excessively wet, it said.

“By implementing these updated standards, the Maltese public health authorities aim to safeguard the well-being of the population, prevent the spread of COVID-19, and continue the progress made in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic,” the statement read.