Charmaine Gauci Explains Why Smoking Has Been Banned When Dining Outdoors
Superintendent of Public Health Prof. Charmaine Gauci has explained that a new restaurant rule against smoking at outdoors tables was necessary to safeguard non-smokers.
“We looked at the whole picture when we drafted the mitigation measures for restaurants,” Prof. Gauci said at today’s press briefing. “Malta has the advantage of sunny weather so we’re encouraging restaurants to make use of outdoor tables where possible because the chances of transmitting the virus is lower when people are outdoors.”
“We felt that if people are going to eat outdoors, they shouldn’t be exposed to more health risks because of people smoking nearby. Around 80% of our population are non-smokers and we must respect them and not expose them to further health problems.”