Italy is expected to implement a new travel rule that imposes a five-day quarantine upon EU arrivals, whether they’re residents or foreigners, as source within the health ministry told AFP.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza should approve the new rule later today however details on when it would come into effect and for how long are unclear.

Most of Malta’s neighbouring country has tight restrictions as it battles another wave, with the country facing a lockdown this weekend. The new quarantine rule will apply to anyone travelling from any EU country and requires passengers to show a negative PCR test before boarding their flight to Italy and then retesting after the five-day quarantine. The only exceptions are of “proven necessity and urgency” the source said.

Italy was the first European country to face the pandemic head, recording over 108,000 deaths so far. With regards to Malta, Italy is on its amber list, meaning those travelling to our islands need to present a negative PCR test before boarding.