Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Restaurants and snack bars will be allowed to serve guests in-house from 10 May, among other changes
Keeping a watchful eye on the epidemiological situation, the government of Malta presses ahead with easing more Covid-related restrictions ahead of the summer season. Following the reopening of schools, non-essential stores and services, and increasing to 4 the number of people allowed to gather in public, catering establishments can also take a breath of relief.
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced at a press conference last Sunday, summarized by TVM, that from 10 May restaurants and snack bars will be able to serve guests in-house, but only until 5pm. The hospitality establishments can continue operating on a takeaway basis afterwards. A maximum of four persons will be permitted at each table.
Dr Abela defended the caveats by saying that the government was trying to steer the country gradually back to normality while not jeopardizing what had been achieved so far. He added that discussions with the health authorities had produced agreement on more restrictions to be lifted from 10 May.
Reacting to the announcements, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) said the relaxation of restaurant restrictions has helped alleviate uncertainty in the hospitality sector. However, it insisted that the new conditions will not be of much help to most restaurants and may endanger jobs and future investment in the sector.
"It's positive that we now have a date for the reopening of restaurants," MHRA President Tony Zahra said, quoted by Malta Today, "but opening only for lunch does not make business sense for the majority of restaurants.”
“Many restaurants will continue to remain under a lot of pressure and our appeal to Government is to allow restaurants to serve dinner too whilst ensuring proper enforcement measures to guarantee that rules are abided for by all.”
The prospects for Malta’s reopening look increasingly promising thanks to the country’s fast-paced vaccination programme. The latest statistics released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that as of Sunday 40 percent of Malta's adult population has received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Within the European Union, this places the island second behind Hungary, where 42 percent of the people have received their first shot.
Regarding the full vaccination performance, however, Malta emerges as EU leader, with 21 percent of its adult population having received two doses. Hungary and Denmark come next with 18 percent and 12 percent, respectively. Malta’s health workers had administered 313,279 doses of COVID-19 vaccine until Sunday, of which 100,686 were second doses.
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The previous mayor was forced out of office following a no-confidence vote in the city council
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The initial legislation didn’t include these public areas as restricted places for smoking pot
These allow car owners to ride for free when heavy winter conditions make driving unsafe
The initial legislation didn’t include these public areas as restricted places for smoking pot
The service will operate during peak hours in the morning and evening
The festivity is also known as the Day of Books and Roses
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team