The authorities of Malta have announced that starting from today, September 17, residents of the country who hold a valid Maltese ID or Residence Card can complete the required period of self-isolation at an alternative address.
This means that all persons returning from red-listed countries who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 with one of the vaccines recognised in Malta are required to follow quarantine rules, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“Persons aged 12 years and over who are not in possession of a recognised vaccination certificate travelling from countries classified as red and persons of all ages authorised to travel from dark red countries shall be required to submit themselves to a period of quarantine of 14 days,” the statement of the Ministry of Health reads.
Nonetheless, it has been emphasised that in order for the residents of Malta returning from a red-listed country to be able to quarantine at an alternate place, they should assure the authorities that no other unvaccinated person will be staying with them at the same address.
In addition, those returning from highly affected COVID-19 countries must submit an application at least ten days before their arrival in Malta. The form can also be filled by parents or guardians who already hold a valid vaccination certificate or residence card for their children to be allowed to quarantine at an alternative address.
On the other hand, the same has announced that special authorisation is required for travellers returning from dark red zones, which are currently subject to the entry ban due to the high Coronavirus risk prevailing in these areas.
This means that all persons returning from a dark red country need to follow quarantine rules, regardless of their vaccination status.
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Maltese residents over the age of 12 who enter the country from a dark red area may also apply to undergo self-isolation at an alternate place provided that the address where they plan to carry out their quarantine has no more than four other persons residing in it.
It has been emphasised that only those who have been fully vaccinated can enter Malta from a dark red-listed country.
“Furthermore, any other persons aged 12 years and over residing at the same quarantine address as travellers returning from dark red countries need to be fully vaccinated,” the Ministry added.
Those returning from dark red countries who wish to self-isolate at an alternative address are required to submit a declaration that confirms the number of household members who are not returning from travel but who will be part of the same household. Information on their vaccination status should also be included.
As for non-residents of Malta, the authorities have announced that they must complete their self-isolation period in the quarantine hotel.
All of the EU countries are currently part of Malta’s red list. In addition, the UK, the US, China, and New Zealand are just some of the third countries on this list.
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