The government on Sunday night published a list of shops and services which have to close as from Monday at 8am, due to the COVID-19 situation.

The closure of the shops was announced earlier in the day by Health Minister Chris Fearne during a news conference.

Shops which have to close are those whose main business relate to the sale of clothing, sportswear, jewellery, handbags and leather goods, costume jewellery and accessories, footwear, non-prescription eyewear, perfumeries, beauty products, haberdasheries, soft furnishings, household appliances, souvenirs, discounted items, luggage, toys, hobbies, furniture, florists and vaping.

The decision covers shops whether operating in shopping malls and/or
elsewhere. They may still sell and provide delivery services of their products in the community.

Other outlets providing non-essential services which also have to close are hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, spas, nail artists, nail technicians and tattooists.

Any shops or outlets not obeying the order will face with a €3,000 fine.

The measure follows the closure of places of entertainment, bars and restaurants, among others, as well as schools, earlier this month.

The government said 422 inspections in Malta and 38 in Gozo were carried out in the last hours and a total of 24 fines have been given so far. 

Another 320 inspections in Malta and 150 in Gozo were carried out on catering
establishments such as restaurants, bars, kiosks and cinemas, which have been ordered to remain closed