Starting this Saturday, it will no longer be mandatory to wear a mask in non-clinical areas at the Mater Dei hospital.

Mask-wearing in public places became mandatory as a preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the requirement was mostly lifted across public areas – but some exceptions, like hospitals and care homes, remained in place.

The obligation to wear masks will be lifted in non-clinical spaces such as the hospital corridors, the main reception area, public canteen, education centers, conference halls, offices, and administrative areas.

Masks will still be mandatory in wards or departments where patients are being treated, including outpatient areas, operating theatres, and the medical imaging department.

On Friday, hospital staff members were issued a circular notifying them about the new rules.

These regulations apply to hospital staff, patients, and visitors.