Easing of coronavirus restrictions takes effect on Monday morning, including abolition of the mandatory requirement for outdoor face mask use, while SafePasses are no longer needed for the workplace, with the exception of nursing homes, closed structures, hospitals, medical centres and other health professionals.

Likewise, no SafePass is required to enter businesses that serve the public, as well as government and public sector service offices, archaeological sites, museums, historical sites, visual arts sites and galleries, construction sites, farmers’ markets, bazaars and fairs.

Beginning April 18, the abolition of the Safe Pass will be extended to retail and shopping centres (excluding food outlets within shopping centres).

In addition, as of Monday, occupancy rates in theatres, cinemas and auditoriums are increased to 100 per cent capacity, while teleworking is recommended at a rate of 25 per cent in private and public sector enterprises and organisations.

As of Monday, automatic release on day 7 of individuals who tested positive is in place, without the need for a rapid test, provided they are not actively symptomatic. Discharge earlier than day 7 can be done by PCR test with negative result on day 5. Special arrangements apply to closed structures and nursing homes.

In addition, persons designated as close contacts are required to self-isolate for a period five days down from seven, assuming they are not actively symptomatic. Close contacts are obligated to undergo rapid testing on the 3rd and 5th day after contact.

The ‘test to stay’ measure (where applicable) is similarly reduced from seven to five days. Pupils who are contacts of a within- positive case are excluded from use of the ‘test to stay’ measure.

The ‘test to stay’ measure (where applicable) is now valid for covering pupils’ after-school activities.

Patient visitation at public and private hospitals, (one person per visit), is now permissible, with presentation of a 24-hour rapid test.

Upon return to school after Easter break, on May 2, students will be required to present a 48-hour rapid test and this will be followed by once-weekly, down from twice-weekly testing.

Beginning April 15, government announcement of positive diagnoses, deaths and hospitalisations shall be made on a weekly basis.