“We are in partial lockdown,” Prime Minister Robert Abela said in an interview on ONE TV and radio, on Sunday morning, adding that a full lockdown is not necessary at this point.
Abela explained that the health authorities have not advised that a full lockdown, at this point, was necessary, and going ahead with it now could be more negative than positive. He said that since the courts, some entities, as well as schools and tribunals, were closed, this means that we are in partial lockdown.
Tourism is closed, Abela said, noting that no one wants to come to Malta to stay in their hotel room. For the sake of people’s health, the Prime Minister felt this decision needed to take, and this also means were are in partial lockdown.
“If you insist on a full lockdown now, for how long will it last?” the Prime Minister rhetorically questioned, adding that “you could be in prison in your own home for months.”
He noted that if the decision for lockdown is advised, it will have a huge impact on Malta. Abela insisted that the communities’ health remained a top priority and comes before any other considerations but the impact of a lockdown decision needs to be evaluated.
The negative impact resulting from decisions made needs to be minimised, Abela said, adding that safeguarding jobs is also very important. “In a few weeks, I am positive we will come out of this on the right side,” Abela said. He explained that once this situation is over, bills will need to be paid, and life will go on, and this is why a total lockdown needs to be considered carefully.
‘Situation is calm and completely under control’
The Prime Minister said the situation is calm and completely under control. He also said that as a country, this situation is defining us for being serious and being proactive. Decisions, even tough ones, need to be taken at the right time.
The numbers speak for themselves, and show the situation is under control, Abela continued.
The decision regarding mandatory quarantine for those who have travelled was ‘tough’ and resulted in some discontent by those affected he said, but everything needs to be done when it is necessary.
Most are cooperating – Abela
Abela said that from reports received it appears that most people are cooperating, although some fines were distributed. “The more we cooperate and pull the same rope the easier the problem will become. This is not about the police alone, but we only need to work together.”
The Prime Minister said that we need to think about others and take a collective approach, adding that it is “not the most comfortable moment we have lived.”
The traffic problem has been easily solved, Abela joked, adding that the country is being responsible and a lot are staying home, despite no specific instructions for partial lockdown.
Abela explained that the approach taken is “we thought of the worst. so we are prepared for the worst. We are prepared for all eventuality.” He said that people can put their mind at rest and appealed for everyone to be calm, without discarding the situation as a serious one.
He said that he was “very satisfied” with the plan of contingency that has been forming for a long time. Abela said it was in its early stages a 300-page document.
‘All preparations are in place but we are not different from other countries’
All preparations are in place, Abela said but his wish is that we will not need any of it, or at least a small bit of it. “You have to have your feet on the ground because we do not live in a bubble, and we will have cases, as we are not different from countries.”
The aim is to avoid a sharp increase in the number of cases so as the health system can cope, he explained.
‘People must got to work unless otherwise advised’
Speaking in financial terms, Abela said the country has already experienced a negative impact and that is why the first financial package was announced yesterday. He said he understood that some people think this is not enough and more aid will be provided.
Having said this, Abela noted that the government cannot give a blank cheque and that everyone will have to take on part of the burden.
If places are work are not being advised to close down, then one must go to work, taking the necessary precautions, Abela said. A full lockdown cannot be done without the health authorities advising it, he continued.
“I am sure we will come out of this on the right side and this is why it is important that everyone’s jobs are preserved. Industries will eventually need to get back on their feet, including hospitality and tourism.”
“I hope the Maltese will be able to enjoy the summer but this necessitates responsibility and cooperation from everyone.”
Medial reports show that those who have a fragile immunity, like older people, the virus can have a harsher effect on them. If you feel full lockdown is better for their health, especially older people who do not work, then they can do so, Abela said.
Abela also said that screening is being done when embarking on Gozo ferry and beds are being prepared in Gozo too. There were times were the helplines were overloaded but the resources have been increased, Abela said, adding that “I have no remorse that we could have done more,” Abela said.