A COVID-19 wage supplement and €100 voucher scheme which were due to expire this month, have both been extended till the end of October, the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday.
Robert Abela was addressing a conference organised by the Chamber of Commerce in Valletta, saying the schemes would be rolled on for a few more weeks.
The government has dished out tens of millions of Euros to employees impacted by COVID-19 as part of the government's wage supplement scheme. A separate scheme has seen €100 vouchers handed out to tax payers to be spent at local establishments.
In his address, Abela said that by the time these measures would expire, the government would have announced new ones in the 2021 Budget, expected in mid-October.
He said the upcoming Budget would focus on low-income families and pensioners.
Schools reopening soon
As for the reopening of schools, which closed down last March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the prime minister said a decision would be taken in the coming days in line with the advice of the health authorities.
However, he said one had to keep in mind the negative repercussions further delays and closures could have on the educational system.
Abela also weighed in on efforts to overcome an assessment of Malta's anti-money laundering enforcement.
The so-called MoneyVal review was a coming of age moment for Malta in this field.
The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, he said, had gone from just 10 employees with an overall annual budget of €500,000 to 100 staff on its books with an overall allocation of €10 million.
Chamber President David Xuereb called on government to publish the health protocols which will be applied in schools for the benefit of teachers, parents and students. He said that reopening of schools was crucial for the future of the Maltese economy.
MHRA calls for clear direction
Reacting to the Prime Minister's announcement, Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) president Tony Zahra said: “The dynamic situation which our members are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now calls for a clear direction by government in addressing the coming months till the opening of the next summer season.”
Business forecasts are currently being drawn up by MHRA members for the upcoming winter period in order to take important business decisions which will have an impact on the employment of many and the economy in general, the association said.
"Therefore, any piecemeal support initiatives by government at this stage risk causing more damage than benefit to our sector."