Coronavirus: Q&A on new SafePass rules

From Tuesday until the end of the month, a SafePass will be required at all indoor and outdoor areas where more than 20 people — including the businesses’ employees — can congregate, the health ministry said on Friday.

Beaches, parks, linear parks, dams, nature paths and excursion areas are exempted.

In an explanatory Q&A after the tougher SafePass rules were announced, the health ministry said the requirement applies to all indoor and outdoor areas as well as buildings where, adhering to distancing measures and the guidelines and health protocols, it is possible for more than 20 people, including employees, to congregate. Everyone aged over 12 must have SafePass.

“This includes retail trade, retail drinks and food businesses, catering premises, and recreation centres,” it said.

Businesses must put up a sign outside with the maximum number of people allowed. They must also specify clearly in a sign whether a SafePass is required, taking into consideration the number of their employees and customers.

For example, a SafePass is not required if a bakery or minimarket, based on its size, cannot let in more than 15 customers at any given time, and it has five employees. But if a shop can let in 16 customers and it has five employees, then a SafePass is needed.

Members of the public can also show the EU Digital Covid Certificate (EUDCC) as a SafePass but must also have ID for confirmation purposes.

It also clarified that should a member of the public refuse to show a SafePass and will not leave the business, then the owner/manager must inform police to take the appropriate action.

The ministry said that organised summer camps, irrespective of the age of participants must suspend operation, the latest by July 23.

But camping sites remain in operation, based on protocols.

The hospitality sector including catering establishments, night clubs, reception venues, discos can serve only seated customers, a maximum of 10 per table. Dancing is not allowed irrespective of the kind of music. But dancing is permitted in premises that host only vaccinated guests or those who have recovered from Covid in the past six months. The owner/manager must secure permission from [email protected].

The maximum number of people permitted in hospitality businesses is 250 indoors with a SafePass or 450 if they have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid in the past six months. The outdoor rules are 350 with a SafePass and 500 if vaccinated or have recovered from coronavirus.

Businesses which choose to only host vaccinated or those who have recovered must have a sign clearly informing the public of this policy. They must also inform the health ministry on [email protected].

The public must also display a SafePass in services and departments of the public and wider public sector and local government. The head of the department or an authorised official will be responsible for implementation.

In the private sector, responsibility rests with the owner/manager or an authorised official.

The SafePass is also compulsory for public transports (buses, taxis etc) for employees and passengers. Further details will be issued by the transport ministry.

Tuition centres, social activities and summer schools also require a SafePass for everyone over 12.

Entrance to care homes will be permitted only to those who have a SafePass, and it is the responsibility of the owners/managers to check.

It is recommended that residents do not leave to spend the night elsewhere, but if they do so, they must bring a negative rapid test valid for 24 hours.