Author: camillef

In March 2020, the Maltese Islands realised the serious nature of the coronavirus. Along with the rest of Europe, Malta implemented nation-wide measures in an attempt to get the pandemic under control locally. The country was never forced into a real lockdown, rather, many employers asked their staff to work from home, and the airport was closed, with strict quarantine rules for anyone entering the country. Shops, restaurants, hairdressers and salons were forced to close, however grocery stores remained open.

Testing for COVID-19

Malta’s national strategy for controlling the spread of the illness was based on a consistently high rate of testing, having achieved a globally high rate of testing per capita. Malta has many dedicated testing centres in different locations – at Pembroke, Luqa, Mater Dei hospital, and at Xewkija, Gozo (more are being set up).

Testing is done by appointment only, which can be organised by calling the Public Health Helpline on 111 or +356 21324086 if you have a foreign number. Arrival at the testing centre can only be in a car or motorbike, and not by bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service. Patients must present their ID cards in order to be tested. The test is administered by inserting a swab into the nasal cavity. Results are sent within 72 hours through SMS, email, or phone call. 

How does Malta handle positive COVID patients?

Upon a positive test result, the patient is evaluated by a team which determines if they must spend the duration of their illness recovering at home, or if they need to be cared for in hospital. At this point, contact tracing is done. The patient receives regular check-ups, and will be declared recovered once a swab test no longer detects the virus.

Malta’s only airport was closed for commercial flights on 21st March 2020. However, even when the airport was “closed”, there were almost daily flights coming into the country with the purpose of repatriating any Maltese who were abroad. Mandatory quarantine was enforced for anyone entering the country and anyone living in that same household. This was enforced through random spot-checks and fines ranging from €1000-€10,000 for those not found home during their quarantine. 

Malta reached its first peak of cases in April when a record high of 52 people tested positive. In total 9 people died, all of whom had other complicating factors.
The airport reopened on the 1st July 2020 for flights from a small number of “safe corridor” countries. On 15th July 2020 the airport was open to flights from a list of countries, although not all international flights are allowed in. 

“Make no mistake, COVID is still around.”- testing centre technician Thomas Grixti

In August, Malta again found itself in the midst of a growing number of new infections, resulting in around 500 active cases by mid-August. This was the result of a couple of factors: re-opening of the airport, and mass gatherings such as village feasts and large parties.

Malta’s new normal

Malta’s new normal includes the widespread use of facemasks in shops, salons, supermarkets, buses, and most indoor places. Almost all restaurants have reopened, save the few which decided to remain shut for financial reasons. Many offices have asked workers to return, although some have embraced working-from-home. Social distancing is no longer observed – no surprise considering the Maltese are notoriously bad at queuing. Large dance parties have been cancelled and feast celebrations are not taking place. Cinemas have their own rules, such as distance between patrons. Beaches are slightly less crowded than usual, due to the lower numbers of tourists. 

Why not take advantage of the many activities you can do in Malta during winter? Low season means fewer crowds and a very different landscape.

WINTER SEASON

Winter season in Malta is relatively short. If you come from a cold country you won’t have a hard time tolerating a Maltese winter because they are really mild. What may catch you by surprise is the humidity, which is always high in Malta. This high humidity tends to amplify how we feel temperature, making our summers feel hotter and, yes, our winters feel colder than they really are. Keep in mind that Maltese homes are built to tolerate the hot summers, which means that they can be quite cold in winter. 99% of homes do not have underfloor heating or radiators, but instead many have air-conditioner units that can heat up a room. The Maltese also tend to use portable gas or petroleum heaters during the winter.

November

During the month of November, the weather starts cooling down, ranging from 14-21℃. You’ll be comfortable in jeans and a light jacket or hoody. Pack an umbrella, because November can be a little rainy although you’re most likely to encounter a good amount of sun.

December

Forget about a snowy Christmas in Malta! December is a little bit cold, with temperatures ranging from 11-17℃. You’ll need a thick jacket or windbreaker, and long trousers or tights under a dress. Scarves are recommended, as well as good waterproof shoes. December is usually a very rainy month, so don’t forget your umbrella.

January & February

The first two months of the year are the coldest in Malta. Temperatures usually range between 13-16℃, however it can feel a lot colder in the evenings and if it’s windy. Sometimes the mercury will dip below 10℃ but not too often. It can be quite rainy in January and February, so remember to pack a good pair of boots and an umbrella or a waterproof winter jacket.

Things to do in Winter in Malta

HIKE

Hiking in Malta is a great choice because of the mild weather. Join the local Ramblers group for an organised walk, or just pick one of the scenic routes along the coast.

Here are our favourite areas for a good hike:

1. The Nature Reserves next to Golden Bay
2. Dingli Cliffs
3. Gozo
4. Bahrija

MEET THE ANIMALS

Did you know that there is a really well-maintained petting farm right in the middle of the island, at Ta Qali? Here you’ll find a particularly strong example of different rabbit species, goats, and a very friendly donkey. The perfect outing for a winter day in Malta.

VALLETTA

Truth be told, Valletta is a winning choice in any season. We particularly love it in winter because there are fewer crowds cluttering your photos and it’s a little slower paced.

In December, Valletta is illuminated with street lights for the Christmas celebrations. Lately, the city has been outdoing itself each year with a new spectacular light installation in front of the Law Courts.

BEACH PICNIC

The beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a winter day, but as long as it’s not too windy you should definitely experience the beauty of a deserted Maltese beach. Pack a picnic basket and head to your favourite beach (Ghajn Tuffieha is great if you want to include a picturesque hike) and enjoy the peaceful sound of the sea without the summer crowds.

CARNIVAL IN MALTA

Carnival is a huge deal in Malta!  It has been part of our traditions for centuries. Around Carnival time, we like to prepare prinjolata which is a sweet treat made of old bits of cake and frosted with egg whites. The Carnival festivities span across both Malta and Gozo, with a huge celebration taking place in Nadur (Gozo) with a street party that lasts until the early hours. In Valletta there is a grand parade of colourful and cheeky floats, topped with flashy dancers and music.

This year Carnival will be celebrated between 28th February – 5th March.

CAFE CULTURE

Sunset seems to come too soon in winter in Malta, so why not wind down with a good cup of coffee? Keep in mind that cafes in Malta don’t always stay open till late, with many shutting around 19:30. Here are some of our favourite coffee spots around the island:

1. Caffe Cordina in Valletta
2. Flora’s cafe in Naxxar
3. Debbie’s cafe in Mellieha
4. Sicilia Mia in Valley Road Birkirkara