Malta may be able to enjoy its beaches deckchair-free for the first summer in years
Malta is getting ready for a summer unlike any others, as the COVID-19 spread has challenged the islands to a socially distant summer.
Speaking to Times Of Malta, Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli revealed that restaurants, once allowed to reopen, as well as beaches, will not operate as they did before. In keeping with social distancing procedures, which Prof. Charmaine Gauci said will remain until a vaccine for the virus is found, overcrowding is not permissible and by extension neither are rows upon rows of deckchairs at the beach.
This was confirmed by Minister Farrugia Portelli, who was quoted in the article as saying: "I cannot see a situation on beaches where people are literally touching hands because the deckchairs are packed so closely together.” She also confirmed that risk assessments for outdoor activities is currently ongoing in order to reintroduce them in a gradual manner.
Beaches overcome by deckchairs have irated many beach-goers in the past, with many public calls made over the years for sections of popular beaches to be dedicated solely to the public, rather than just vendors.
Although Malta's once-fun-packed summers are now in jeapordy due to COVID-19, such news gives hopes to beach-lovers of being able to enjoy local seasides in ease.