The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) welcomes the communication made earlier this morning by Health Minister Chris Fearne that government will go ahead with the further easing of COVID 19 restrictions.
MHRA however states that not enough and clear information was presented to better understand how the tourism stakeholders need to react in relation to this policy statement.
Accordingly, MHRA has already called for and is again calling for the removal of all remaining COVID restrictions, including all testing requirements, the need to present proof of vaccination, or to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). The removal of all COVID restrictions is already in place by a growing number of countries across Europe and beyond.
MHRA is also calling for the removal of extraordinary protocols which were introduced across hotels and restaurants during the peak times of COVID 19 transmission months ago. These restrictions, such those related to buffet and bar service, are directly impacting negatively operations, leading to gross inefficiencies and difficulties and compounded with the issue of lack of available staff to work in our sector.
At this point MHRA believes that emphasis must be made on the role of self-responsibility in keeping our society healthy. This is also in line with what the World Health Organisation is now stating, that COVID 19 is becoming a less harmful force and that the resilience of the vaccine remains strong.