VALLETTA, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Malta is to abolish the requirement of presenting a COVID-19 vaccine certificate to enter restaurants from Feb. 7, Health Minister Christopher Fearne announced on Tuesday.
The current rules, which came into force on Jan. 17, were met with heavy criticism and even street protests.
Addressing parliament, Fearne said that the rules will be relaxed, so vaccination certificates will not be needed for entry into restaurants, snack bars and social clubs. They will, however, be needed for entry to mass events, sports events, gaming halls, nightclubs, and travel.
He added that from Feb. 14, certificates will not be needed for entry to bars, gyms, spas, pools, cinemas, and theatres, either.
He said the decision was taken as COVID-19 cases continued to decrease. The minister said plans were in place for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine if required.
According to figures released by health authorities, 323 new COVID-19 cases were detected on Tuesday. Two people died of the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities to 536. ■
