Malta should shut down its businesses and schools for a number of days, a new proposal by the Malta Employer’s Association said.

Calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Malta, the MEA has proposed measures to minimise the outbreak in Malta after a seventh case was confirmed last night.

“As the 19th March is a public holiday, all workplaces, including schools, will also close down on the Friday 20th, together with Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd March. This will imply a six-day continuous break with only three days taken from optional leave,” the MEA proposed.

They said this would “significantly” slow down the spread of the virus, though there will be an impact on businesses in the short term. However, this will be offset by minimising the longer-term disruptions to businesses.

They also proposed that teachers should be allowed to compensate for the loss of working school hours through longer days during the half-day period in the summer months, the Malta Independent reported. They also noted that parents could stay with their children at home during this period.

The MEA said that hotels should remain open with reduced staff, and that essential services like emergency responders and hospitals should operate as normal.

Do you agree with these proposals?