COVID-19
ADVICE FOR THE GENER AL PUBLIC
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF? To protect yourself and others from infection practice good hand and respiratory hygiene: 1 Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if not available, use alcohol-based hand disinfectant. 2 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or inner side of flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing. 3 DO NOT sneeze or cough into your hands as you may contaminate objects or people that you touch. 4 Dispose of used tissues immediately in bins; DO NOT leave tissues running around. 5 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth before washing your hands. 6 Keep a one metre distance when talking to someone who is sick. SHOULD I WEAR FACEMASKS? In Malta, there is no need to wear facemasks. Wearing a mask in a preventive manner is not recommended by the World Health Organisation as a means to avoid contamination with the COVID-19 virus. Facemasks help people, who are already infected with the virus, from spreading it others. CAN I BE CONTAMINATED BY RECEIVING A PACKAGE FROM AN AFFECTED AREA? People receiving packages from affected areas are not at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects such as letters or packages. ACTIONS BEING TAKEN BY MALTESE HEALTH AUTHORITIES Malta is taking the necessary precautions in relation to coronavirus, through various actions: 1 National COVID-19 Helpline: 111 (or +356 111 from abroad) 2 Thermal screening of all passengers arriving at Malta International Airport, Cruise liner and Catamaran Terminals. 3 Travel advice for passengers travelling to or returning from affected areas is available at Airport, ports, freeports and cruise liner terminals. 4 A coordinating team for national response is being led by the Superintendence of Public Health. 5 Constant communication with WHO, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the EU Health Security Committee. The European Council is organizing regular teleconferences for all Member States to which Malta Public Health authorities participate to receive updates and advice on actions; 6 Enhanced surveillance to detect suspected cases early; 7 Communication with media, advice to clinicians and traveller’s advice; 8 Preparedness plans at Mater Dei Hospital and Primary Care have been set up to isolate, diagnose and treat any suspected and confirmed cases.).
In addition to COVID-19 Assistance for tourists call: +356-2169-2447 or email: tourismcovid-19helpline@visitmalta.com or visit https://www.visitmalta.com/en/covid-19 The above advice is as of time of printing, 23rd March 2020, for updates on this evolving situation follow https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/health-promotion/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx