Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1243341
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MAY 2020 NEWS er recreational areas would be included in the gradual relax- ation of restrictions, she said it depended on future risk as- sessments. These were made on fixed criteria that classified measures into categories. "We cannot afford to go too fast or risk ruining good work… measures are introduced for six-week periods during which they are observed and assessed. This requires the cooperation of the public. "We cannot have everybody go outside now that we have opened certain shops... A lot of people made great sacrifices [to get to this point]. We didn't have to go for extreme meas- ures and go for full lockdown, like abroad. We arrived here together, let us move forward together step by step." In what is undoubtedly bad news for churchgoers, the Su- perintendent said that Mal- ta was not at the stage where churches or religious sites could be reopened to the pub- lic. On the other hand, non-es- sential retail outlets were des- ignated as low risk. Changing rooms in clothes shops could be a vector for transmitting the vi- rus, she said, adding that these rooms should not be used. Clothes should not be touched unnecessarily, said Prof. Gauci, reminding that there would be alcohol rub available at the door. Exchanges are subject to the consent of the shop owner, she said, explaining that re- turned items are to be held in quarantine for 72 hours. Prof. Gauci emphasised the wearing of face masks when in public. "Now that we are relax- ing measures and this increas- es risk, the masks mitigate the measures. Now is the time to use masks. Every obligation we introduced was because of a need." Legislation on mask use will be issued later today or to- morrow and will apply as from Monday. Resumption of vaccinations All vaccination centres will be open as of Monday as part of a relaxation of measures aimed at stopping the spread of coro- navirus and the availability of a new free vaccine. 51,000 vaccinations were de- livered last year – 98% of the target population – placing Malta amongst the top coun- tries for vaccinations. But health minister Chris Fearne said vaccinations had decreased significantly, up to 50% in the case of some illness- es, since the start of the COV- ID-19 pandemic. "Doctors had reduced services in the com- munity and the government reduced vaccinations to three health centres as part of the measures to control the spread of COVID-19. "Now that coronavirus is un- der control, from Monday, all government vaccinations will be available at all health cen- tres. This is immensely impor- tant as infective illnesses can lead to other illnesses and make matters more serious," he said. As of Monday another free vaccination against pneu- mococcus, Prevnar, will be launched for new-borns. At €200 Prevnar was only availa- ble against payment. Appoint- ments will start being distribut- ed on Monday. "I am very proud that our health system, over the years, has become so robust that it did not just respond to [the coronavirus pandemic], but also add new services such as these," Fearne said. There is currently no vac- cine available for COVID-19 as it was still being developed. The government was intent on buying it as soon as it became available and making it free, Fearne said, explaining that it would be initially distributed to first responders. Those who missed their vac- cination appointments because of the pandemic could now call 25680299 for new appoint- ments. Cases 468 Imported 94 Local 373 Active 85 Recoveries 379 Deaths 4 LATEST DATA www.maltatoday.com.mt/covid19