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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Malta (July 31, 2020)
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July 31, 2020

Health Alert

 

Location: Malta 

Event: On July 31, the Ministry of Health confirmed 824 cases of COVID-19, 150 of which are active cases.  

As of March 27, U.S. Embassy Malta suspended non-emergency U.S. citizen and visa services. U.S. citizens in Malta who require assistance should contact the Embassy using the contact information at the end of this Health Alert. Beginning June 18, routine passport and consular report of birth abroad appointments resumed. All other non-emergency U.S. citizen (including notary appointments) remain suspended until further notice. Please visit the U.S. Embassy in Malta U.S. Citizen Services website here and Visas website here for more information.   

The Malta International Airport (MIA) and ports reopened on July 1 to “safe corridor” destinations, including: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland.   

Beginning July 15, the Government of Malta also lifted travel restrictions on the following locations: Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Japan, Jordan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovenia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. 

The list of countries can also be found at the Malta Ministry of Health Travel web page here.  MIA has implemented various measures to maintain a safe environment for passengers and employees.  For details please visit the MIA website here. 

Travel restrictions are based on residency, not nationality.  Those wanting to travel to Malta from any of the before mentioned countries must have been physically present in said location for at least two weeks directly prior to entering Malta.  Individuals who meet this requirement are not required to undergo COVID-19 testing or mandatory quarantine upon arrival to Malta.  However, the Government of Malta has the ultimate discretion on all travel and quarantine related matters within its borders and this information is subject to change at any time.  

To date, U.S. citizens travelling directly from the United States or any other non- “safe corridor” country are not permitted entry into Malta.  

Commercial flights remain available for U.S. citizens in Malta who want to return to the United States.  Please note, passengers may be unable to depart the airport while transiting. U.S. citizens who plan to return to the United States should contact their airline directly with questions regarding layovers, including questions about baggage and travelling with pets.  

As of July 31, the government of Malta implemented restrictions on mass events.  No more than one person may occupy every four-square meters of space, no more than ten people may congregate per group, and all mass event attendees must provide their contact information to authorities in order to facilitate contact tracing.  Those considering attending mass event are strongly encouraged to review the Center for Disease Control website here for health and safety information on gatherings and community events.  

The government of Malta has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Essential shops, including: shops selling food or medicine, pet shops, banks, post offices and transport services remain openAs of May 4, non-essential shopsincluding: lotto booths, VRT testing stations, clothes and sportswear shops, jewelry shops, bag and shoe shops, non-prescription eyewear shops, perfume and beauty supply stores, haberdasheries and home decorations shops, souvenir and discount shops, luggage shops, toy shops, hobby shops, furniture shops, and florists were able to re-open.  

As of May 4, health centers resumed providing vaccinations, cervical cancer screenings, CT Scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and cardiology appointments. 

As of May 22, restaurants, barbers, hairdressers, beauticians, hotels, outdoor poolsopen air markets, open-air cinemas, and certain health services, including: diabetic clinics, cardio clinics, well-being clinics, and mental health services resumed business 

As of June 5, bars, gyms, law courts, and childcare centers may resume business. Resumption of business is allowable provided specific COVID-19 prevention measures as detailed by the Maltese Health Authorities are adhered to.  

Customers and clients are required to have their temperature checked before entering the service venue, wear a facemask within the premises, and keep two meters from othersEstablishments may only permit entry to one person per every 10 square meters of venue space.  

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. 

Ste local government actions: 

  • Vulnerable persons should continue to exercise caution but are able to return to work as of June 5.  
  • As of May 4, travel between Malta and Gozo resumed. Ferry commuters are required to wear a mask while using the Gozo Channel ferry service and only a controlled number of passengers will be allowed onboard.  
  • The mandatory self-quarantine is enforced through regular police spot-checks. Those who fail to observe the order are subject to a €3,000 fine for each instance the order is breached. 
  • Persons who test positive for COVID-19 and are ordered to self-quarantine will be fined a €10,000 fine for each instance the order is breached.   
  • Asymptomatic visitors can choose to undergo mandatory self-quarantine or return to their country of origin as soon as possible.  U.S. citizens in Malta who want to return to the United States should make arrangements while outbound flights are still available.  

 Actions to Take: 

 Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. 

 Assistance: 

 U.S. Embassy Valletta, Malta 

Ta’Qali National Park 

Attard, ATD 4000 

Phone number (business hours) +356 2561 4000 

Phone number (after hours) +356 2561 4000  

Email: ConsularMalta@state.gov  

Website: https://mt.usembassy.gov/ 

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