Further removal of restrictions at homes for the elderly and at Saint Vincent de Paul Residence were announced on Friday. During a press conference at the Social Care Standards Authority, which has been operating as a Covid-19 vaccination centre since April, Minister for Senior Citizens and Active Ageing Michael Farrugia explained that restrictions will be removed in two phases, including allowing elderly to go out from the homes on their own as from 19th July.
Minister Michael Farrugia reiterated his call for those who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The restrictions will be removed as follows;
As from 3rd July:
• One-hour morning visits to the elderly;
• One hour and a half visits in the afternoon;
• Elderly can have up to two visitors per session in their room. Both visitors and elderly must be vaccinated;
• Wearing a mask remains mandatory.
• There will be no change in the current restrictions for persons who are not vaccinated.
As from 19th July:
• Senior citizens can go out from homes on their own;
• Reopening of night shelters;
• Removal of restrictions on the number of elderly persons who can attend day centres;
• Wearing a mask remains mandatory.
Minister Michael Farrugia said that since 6thApril a total of 26,255 vaccines were administered at the SCSA Vaccination Centre. He announced that 13,071 Pfizer first dose vaccines were given while 12,689 Pfizer second dose vaccines were administered, which amount to 25,760 vaccines. As for the AstraZenica vaccine, 253 first-dose vaccines were given while 242 second dose vaccines were administered, totalling to 495 vaccines.
Minister Farrugia also announced that the authority now has a new Chief Executive Officer, Dr Angele Ellul Fenech, and he congratulated her on her new post.
Minister Michael Farrugia thanked SCSA staff and the employees of the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care who participated in the vaccination programme.
