The Mediterranean islands of Malta became the latest European nation to tighten Covid-19 restrictions as virus numbers hit a new record for a second successive day.

Health Minister Chris Fearne said events where people could not be seated were being banned from Dec 27 while sports events would have to be held behind closed doors. All venues have to close by 1:00am, Reuters reports.

An open-air New Year's Eve celebration in the capital, Valletta, was cancelled.

Fearne said all those aged over 18 will be able to apply for vaccine booster shots from Dec 27, and vaccination certificates will be necessary for entry to most venues from Jan 17.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...