A new set of COVID-19 mitigation measures may be implemented if people don’t act responsibly, Malta’s Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said. 

Earlier today, Malta confirmed a record-breaking 510 new COVID-19 cases, less than a week after fresh measures were introduced, including the closure of restaurants.

“If we aren’t going to take this responsibility seriously, there could be a chance that new measures are implemented,” Bartolo said at a press conference today.

Over the weekend, the Malta Tourism Authority carried out more than 2,400 inspections at various restaurants with more inspections being carried out as a joint operation between police and public health authorities.  A total of 762 people have been fined so far, an average of 109 fines a day.

“In February we had in excess of 10,500 inspections but it is impossible to surveil every place, every room in every hotel 24/7 days a week and that’s why I appeal for responsibility,” Bartolo continued.

In light of the spike in COVID-19 cases, various bodies and entities have called for more drastic measures. The Civil Society Network has called for the closure of the international airport and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has urged that another public health emergency be called.

“I emphasise that we need to be responsible. This isn’t an individual responsibility put on me or someone else, this is a responsibility everyone has to bear,” Bartolo said.

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