The smallest member state of the European Union, Malta, has been in a lockdown again since Thursday, March 11, 2021. The government ordered the closure of nearly all non-essential facilities for at least four weeks. This means that Easter holidays are defacto not possible.

Malta still allows entry from different countries, but a negative PCR test that is not older than 72 hours must be presented. However, vacationers are likely to get bored because restaurants, retail, tourist facilities, churches, museums, schools, hairdressers, fitness studios and sports facilities are closed. Only essential businesses are allowed to keep open. The catering industry is only allowed to offer take-away.

The Maltese's freedom of movement is also restricted, as travel between the three islands is only permitted with restrictions. That hardly has any effect on Comino, as only four people live there anyway, but strongly on Gozo. For example, the use of the ferries is permitted for professional purposes, but not for a mere excursion. This is to curb the spread between the three islands.

Infections increased sharply even without "introductions"

The Republic of Malta has seen a sharp increase in the number of infections in recent weeks. "Imports from abroad" actually play no role at all, because air traffic is at a historical minimum. The connections are also very thin on the sea route. The small Mediterranean country has so far got through the crisis lightly, but recently recorded around 500 infections per day. At the last census, which was carried out in 2019, Malta had 514.564 residents. The 14-day incidence value is given by the authorities as 751 per 100.000 inhabitants.

In contrast to the lockdown of the previous year, Luqa Airport will not be closed this time. The offer is already very manageable due to the low demand. However, the catering establishments including the lounge, which is located on the roof of the airport, had to close.