Fearne: Expect new laws if social distancing regulations are ignored

Health Minister Chris Fearne has warned that more restrictions could be introduced if sections of the public continue to ignore social distancing rules. 

In comments to Times of Malta on Saturday Fearne said: "Social distancing is so essential that if it remains evident that there are significant breaches, we will need to legislate further to ensure it is observed."

The minister was reacting after a record 72 new cases were detected on Saturday, bringing the total number of active cases up to 557.

His warning was echoed by Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci, who told Times of Malta that public health authorities were currently identifying sources of the 72 new cases.

"If people do not adhere to measures introduced then further actions will need to be put in place," Gauci said. 

Malta had lifted practically all its COVID-19 restrictions in July, when the number of cases started to dwindle. Some measures had to be reintroduced to control the spread of the virus after clusters involving patients who attended mass events were detected. 

Early identification and isolation of positive cases, social distancing and, protection of the vulnerable individuals in our society...