In this week’s Ask Charmaine column by Times of Malta, one local asked what is a burning question as swim season approaches – “Will a person be fined if caught walking back from a swim without the mask?”

“In terms of current legislation, any person shall, outside his residence, both when going to an indoor place and outdoors, wear a mask in a proper manner covering the nose, mouth and chin of the person. This also applies to beaches. Hence, a person needs to put on a mask as soon as possible and always keep a distance of at least two metres from other persons,” Gauci said.

She also reminded people that the current restriction that only allows the mixing of two household both indoors and outdoors obviously also applies for beaches. “The use of face masks helps reduce the spread of infection in the community by limiting the spread of infection from infected individuals who may not know they are infected, who have not yet developed symptoms or who remain asymptomatic. The wearing of masks will, therefore, enhance the effects of physical distancing.”

“It is important to note that face covers are not a replacement for keeping physical distancing; observing cough and sneeze etiquette; maintaining meticulous hand hygiene and avoiding touching one’s face. Wearing of masks or visors is mandatory in addition to these measures, which should always be maintained,” she concluded in her reply.