Watch: Valletta returns to life for public holiday, but are people shopping?

COVID-19 has turned Malta's capital city into a ghost town with bars closed and hotels bereft of tourists - but the first public holiday of December brought a tentative return to the streets. 

The holiday, known by many as the first day of Christmas, saw an increase in people: but does this mean they brought much-needed revenue to a city the business community says is facing a "disastrous situation"? 

Earlier in November, the government launched Christmas in the City, a programme of events aimed at supporting local industry. Despite the initiative, the shoppers, residents and shop assistants who spoke to Times of Malta noted that in the past few days Valletta has remained quiet. 

Many said that the extra activity in the streets is a welcome sign when compared to the lack of activity in the past few days.

[attach id=959669 type="video"]Shoppers and business owners on the day most people traditionally shop in Valletta for Christmas Video: Chris Sant Fournier[/attach]

A Valletta resident said: “There are days when I feel so sad as there would hardly be any people, but to see all these people today, this is the Valletta I know.” 

A recent survey showed that despite COVID-19, more...