The Fashion Association Malta (FAM) has shared its disappointment and disapproval of the government’s decision to keep hair stylists, beauty therapists, and nail technicians closed until 26^th April, “despite these businesses being constrained by strict measures that they have followed to the letter,” they said in a statement.

The country’s current quasi-lockdown restrictions were meant to be lifted on Monday 12^th but the government announced yesterday that the reopening is a very cautious one with schools opening in a staggered manner next week as will non-urgent surgeries and visits in elderly homes. As of 26^th April, non-essential shops and services can open and the number of people allowed to gather in public goes up to a maximum of four people.

“This is in light of the fact that such businesses are part of a sector that strictly follows absolute hygiene protocols," they said, noting that it was never mentioned that such businesses were the sources of the spread of the virus.

They further explained that the industry is losing out on crucial months of revenue as certain services cannot be provided during the upcoming summer months. The association continued to point out that such a sector was only given a wage supplement that covered their rent while other sectors were granted funds to cover additional costs.

The FAM criticized the health authorities for “taking decisions without consultation,” warning that this could lead to “job losses and business closures.

“The fashion industry is in favour of any decision made to put a stop to the pandemic, but authorities must be open to consultation, especially in an industry that they have no experience in, as we could have reached the same goals without any revenue and job losses,” they concluded.