Malta is expected to issue the second round of COVID-19 vouchers within weeks of cafes and restaurants reopening their doors to patrons, the government reportedly informed the catering industry.

According to Times of Malta, the detail emerged during a meeting with government representatives and the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE). Matthew Pace, spokesperson for the association said ACE was told that the government “hopes” to issue them “within weeks” of establishments reopening.

While no set date has been announced by the government, Times of Malta has previously reported that government sources said such establishments will hopefully be open come mid-May. However, bars and band clubs are likely to remain shut as the situation is assessed.

“Most probably, the government won’t open before Mother’s Day (on 9^th May),” Pace continued. “But, after all these sacrifices, we would rather wait a few more days and then reopen for the long-haul.”

A second round of vouchers was initially meant to be issued in January, but the spike in cases delayed the launch. Since then, the government said the vouchers would be issued once it was safe to do so.

The first round of vouchers included ‘red’ ones totalling to €80 that were to be used in catering establishments and accommodation, while a ‘blue’ one worth €20 was to be used in retail outlets and services. This was part of the effort to restart the economy last summer.

The second round of vouchers will be slightly different with €60 per person to use in restaurants and accommodation and €40 to spend in retail. And as opposed to being 5 vouchers of €20, this set will be broken into €10 and €15 vouchers.

Next week, the country will be entering phase two of the reopening, with non-essential shops and services reopening on 26^th April. From this date, the number of people that can gather in public spaces will also increase from two to four.