Updated 1pm

All national museums have been closed with immediate effect and until further notice, Heritage Malta and the government both said on Saturday. 

The decision was taken following discussions between top government officials and health authorities and is intended to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. 

Heritage Malta is the agency tasked with overseeing national museums, ranging from the archaeology museum in Valletta to the neolithic temple sites and the maritime museum in Vittoriosa. 

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna has also said it will be closing its museums and visitor attractions, which include the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort Rinella and Saluting Battery. All bookings at these sites have been cancelled, it said in a statement. 

All public events have been called off as part of measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, with schools shut down, masses cancelled and people urged to stay indoors unless necessary. 

The measures have forced the cancellation or postponement of several events, including village feasts, exhibitions and theatre programmes including at the Teatru Manoel.