With Malta recording its fifth Coronavirus case in under five days, measures are now being effected to prevent an epidemic.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Janice Sammut (@bulubeef_power) on Mar 17, 2018 at 3:32pm PDT

In a Press Conference issued minutes ago, Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela said that outdoor gatherings with more than 2,000 people will not be permissible. As for indoor events, a maximum of 750 people would be allowed in light of recent Coronavirus updates.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beer men club (@beer_men_club) on Feb 28, 2020 at 5:32am PST

Asked whether any legal repercussions would come to establishments who still opened and catered for next week’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Prime Minister had this to say: “It’s not a legal matter…Past editions for this event have drawn close to 45,000 people. This specific celebration has been discussed extensively in this morning’s cabinet session,” the Prime Minister said, adding that indications are that directions will be given to local councils not to hold this event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by South EU Summit (@southeusummit) on Jan 20, 2020 at 5:31am PST

Despite this directive, the Prime Minister highlighted that the situation is being closely monitored and urged everyone to keep calm.

More updates will follow.