€2 million scheme to help artists announced by Ministers Clayton Bartolo and José Herrera

Jul 6 2021

A €2,000,000 scheme to aid artists and event organisers was announced by Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and Culture Minister José Herrera. The arts and culture sector has been one of the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many in the industry not being able to work due to restrictions closing down events and other artistic activities. Bartolo explained that the scheme will help artists by giving the same amount for the amount of event tickets sold up to a maximum of €15 on each ticket.

For every group or bubble of an audience, the Government will be giving a €1,500 grant. Should, for example, an activity have a maximum of 150 people in each bubble, the Government will give the value of €1,500 for every bubble. The scheme will apply to activities held between 19th July and 31st August.

Minister Herrera highlighted how the fund will continue to support the creative sector, with aid being given through the ‘Restart’ scheme by the Malta Arts Council. Logistically, spaces would also be offered for free for activities to be held.

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Photo Source: Clayton Bartolo FB, Jose Herrera FB

Regulation for pet groomers in the works

Jul 6 2021

Following the recent incident of a pet dog dying after a session, pet groomers are set to be regulated by the law. Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo stated in parliament yesterday (Monday 6th July 2021) that a draft bill was prepared by the Veterinary Surgeons Council to regulate grooming services. Replying to a parliamentary question by Opposition MP Mario Galea, Refalo stated that consultation on proposed regulations are underway with different stakeholders.

Regulation of the sector was called for by Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina last month following the case of a dog dying after a grooming session. Pet sitters and trainers are also as of yet unregulated but Refalo has not yet handed a timeline for enacting the new rules.

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Photo Source: iStock

Malta might get its largest shopping mall in Ghaxaq

Jul 6 2021

An undeveloped field in Ghaxaq and an adjacent scrapyard could be converted into one of Malta’s largest shopping malls. An area of over two football pitches at 16,000 square metres could become the hub of shoppers as the site owned by Joe Cassar’s Trihills Heavy Industry Ltd. is in the process of being acquired by Alex Zammit’s Southpark Ltd. New zoning parameters for large-scale commercial development along the ‘Tal-Barrani Road’ are being sought.

The proposed development comes with outside catering areas, a two-storey underground carpark and ground and first floor level for commercial level for commercial outlets. The site is however designated as an area of containment, limiting development to industrial and commercial uses that cannot be located in urban areas.

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Photo Source: DW

Almost all UK lockdown restrictions to end on July 19th

Jul 6 2021

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that almost all lockdown restrictions will end on July 19th. England’s appropriately (albeit possibly premature) ‘Freedom Day’ was pushed back from June 21st in light of the Delta variant becoming more prominent. Johnson stated that the push back was done in order to analyse the effectiveness of the vaccine. July 19th will see the end to masks in public settings and the 1m social distancing.

People will also no longer be expected to work from home, nightclubs can reopen doors and people will no longer need COVID passports for events. Prior to the set date, four tests have to be passed beforehand, these looking at vaccine rollout, its effectiveness, hospital admissions and variant data. July 12th will see the test results reviewed in order to deem the lockdown easing.

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Photo Source: Reuters