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Updated on 03.12.2020 The coronavirus or the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to its knees. No country or superpower could have ever predicted a disaster of such huge proportion. It has brought about demonstrations, rattled our belief in what we know about viruses and created a huge economic thunderstorm. In Malta, things were no different, or at least at phase value, things look like that anyway. But upon a closer look, you will note that Malta has championed the fight against this pandemic with incredible healthcare preparation and a push to a financial injection to help the struggling economy. In this article, we will not be exploring some particular location or suggest places you can dive, drive or eat. As locals concerned with what this pandemic brought about, our team at Holidays In Malta want to provide you with all you need to know about the coronavirus situation in Malta as it stands. We will try and give you a local perspective so you can rest assured that any decision you make whether to travel to Malta or not, is based on hard facts and truth. 
General guidelines for citizens
- Masks are mandatory to wear outdoor and public indoor places;
- The maximum gathering allowed is 10 people;
- A person feeling symptoms of COVID19 can book a swab test at the Hospital by calling the Public Health Helpline on 111 or +356 21324086 and get results in 48 hours;
- Social distancing (maintaining enough physical distance) for a minimum of two metres.
Can one travel to Malta during Corona virus?
The Malta International Airport has welcomed the first guests after the lockdown from 1st July 2020 and the country returned to ‘normality’. The regulations are stating that if you are travelling from one of the “Corridor countries“, and you have been residing in one of these countries for the last 14 days, you can then freely travel to Malta without the need of quarantine yourself at your arrival. If you are travelling to Malta from countries on the “Amber list“, it is required proof of negative PCR COVID-19 swab test done within previous 72 hours. A 14 day quarantine period may be required if otherwise. You can find the list of Corridor countries and Amber list via link here.History of COVID19 pandemic in Malta
One of the things which helped reassure the public that the Maltese government will be taking this pandemic very seriously is that ever since the virus started in Europe, the health ministry started delivering daily updates on national television. Professor Charmaine Gauci, the superintendent of Health in Malta, has delivered updates every single day since the beginning of March informing the public on how many swab tests were carried every single day, how many positive cases were found and details o each and every case. The number of swabs carried each day was close to a thousand and on some dates, it was even more. Luckily, when things started to escalate, the public cooperated and most people obeyed the rules and regulations set by the authorities on social distancing and voluntary quarantine. Daily updates are now being held online only, not through a press conference like before and on most occasions, none or only a couple of cases are reported.Did Malta get through a peak yet?
The simple answer to this question is yes. It appears that there were two particular days when Malta registered a high number of cases. On 7 April, the number of positive cases added up to a staggering 52. The number was a shock to the authorities and citizens alike. However, besides that particular day and on another occasion when there were 30 cases in one day, the numbers in Malta were pretty low (between 0 – 14). A simple search will put your mind to rest because the resent numbers are very, very encouraging. On most of the days, there are no more than 2 cases reported daily. Unfortunately, those were considered vulnerable like anywhere in the world, were hit the most. So far, Malta registered nine deaths attributed to the virus. Ok, now that you got the basic, time to answer your questions.Which countries can I travel to from Malta?
Travel between Malta and specific corridor countries has resumed according to the conditions stated on the Official Website of Deputy Prime Minister, where you can find updated information – here.Can I go to a restaurant or bar?
As of late May, yes you can. And luckily it seems that restaurants have managed to adapt and business is slowly picking up. Business owners had to make sure that they are given the green light by the authorities following spot checks and certification provided by the Malta Tourism Authority. Bars have been closed again since November 2020. You are not required to wear a mask while seating down in a restaurant but the waiters serving are obliged to do so.Can I go shopping or cut my hair?
Yes, but you are obliged to wear a mask. So get a disposable one or make one yourself and go give that hair some lovin!What about discos and clubs?
Discos and clubs are closed.Does Malta win the battle against coronavirus?
Sounds cheesy as, but this is exactly how Malta’s Prime Minister described the situation in his press conference in Spring – Malta has won over the virus. It’s the good news of course although health officials did warn the authorities to be careful. But, speaking from a local’s perspective, the situation was really good at that moment. As of 7 June when we wrote this article for you, the number of active cases was at 24. However, after the airport was reopened, slowly the number of cases raised. There are more than 2000 active cases in November 2020.
