Following an eight-hour meeting between Government and Malta Council for Economic and Social Development yesterday evening, Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci has announced that a €50 fine will be introduced for anyone not wearing a mask at crowded places such as buses, in shops and on the Gozo Channel ferry. 

This comes as news reached those present that the number of COVID-19 cases in Malta had increased by 150 per cent in one day, reaching a new record.

Meanwhile, an additional two COVID-19 testing hubs will be opened next week in order to help keep up with the rising demand. 

The Medical Association of Malta, which embarked on industrial action yesterday in line with their demands for the cancellation of mass events, was reportedly asked to stop the strike should events hosting 60 people indoors and 100 people outdoors be allowed. 

However, up till the end of the meeting, a decision had not been reached, as doctors remained insistent on the cancellation of all events due to the rise in new cases. As a result, directives at Mater Dei Hospital will continue into their second consecutive day today.

Meanwhile, directives ordered by the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, which were meant to come into effect today, have been cancelled. Health Minister Chris Fearne welcomed the news, urging for collaboration.