The health ministry on Friday issued clarifications regarding the partial easing of coronavirus-related restrictions governing home visits that will come into effect on Monday.

Earlier this week, the cabinet decided to loosen the lockdown, allowing the opening of hairdressers and beauticians, and amending regulations that had prohibited house gatherings

Effective from Monday, up to two people will be allowed to visit, with the ministry clarifying that the aim remains to restrict social contacts. People are therefore urged to remain in steady bubbles and restrict unnecessary visits. Luncheons and dinners at homes for weddings and christening remain forbidden, it said.

As regards professionals allowed to pay house calls for work, the ministry clarified that this is restricted to specific groups of workers and only for a reasonable amount of time required to do their job.

In all cases, personal protection measures such as the wearing of masks, distancing and good ventilation, should be adhered to.

The groups of professionals permitted are electricians, plumbers, painters, electricians, repair technicians for electrical appliances, construction workers and other technical workers, cleaners, gardeners, health professionals (such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, community nurses etc to care for people who cannot move), baby sitters and child carers, only to look after children.