As of today, a new set of COVID-19 regulations will be implemented. These rules are set to restrict individuals who are not in possession of a valid vaccination certificate from entering certain establishments.

As of today, a valid vaccine certificate requires the holder to have received the first two COVID-19 jabs (or one, if Johnson & Johnson) plus the booster dose.

Therefore, individuals without a valid vaccine certificate will not be allowed into:

• Bars
• Restaurants
• Gyms and fitness centres
• Pools, spas and saunas
• Cinemas
• Sporting events
• Kazini
• Snack bars 
• Bowling alleys 
• Theatres
• Organised events  
• Casinos
• Gaming parlors and
• Bingo halls

Establishments caught welcoming unvaccinated patrons will be fined €500.

However, there are a few exceptions…

Those aged between 12 and 18 and have already received their two vaccination doses, women in their first trimester of pregnancy, workers who are not in close contact with clients, and Maltese residents who are currently travelling are entitled to a two-week grace period.

This means that they won’t be required to present a valid vaccine certificate up until 1st February.

Maltese citizens who were not able to receive the booster due to being COVID-19 positive have been granted a six-week grace period.

The COVpass Malta app is available to establishments in order to check the validity of vaccination certificates.  

With these new restrictions in place, other regulations are now being relaxed. 

Restaurants, bars, and snack bars are no longer required to implement social distancing and boosted citizens can now remove their masks in public as long as they are with just one other person.

Many walk-in and mobile booster clinics will be opening up around the island from today to allow easy access to those still waiting to receive their booster jab.