Bubble concept pumps up attendance at large Maltese venues

The government has also unveiled a EUR 2 million programme to recuperate the events sector

New standards introducing a “bubble” concept for large venues across Malta are coming into effect from 5 July. The new rules, announced two days ago by the Health Ministry, allow all-seated venues with physically separate sections (each having a separate entrance, exit, facilities and staff) to admit a maximum of 100 people per section.

100 persons per bubble, seated in groups of six

These bubbles of up to 100 persons must be separate from each other, must use different entrances/exits and be served by different staff. The number of people in a bubble will increase to 150 on 19 July and 200 on 2 August.

This means that larger venues that meet the above criteria, including Ta’ Qali national stadium, may accommodate hundreds of spectators. The new rules apply not only to sports games, but also to cultural and artistic events, dance, theatre and music performances, conferences, and award ceremonies.

Attendees, including staff, have to make bookings in advance and present vaccination certificates. They will be subjected to temperature checks upon entry and alcohol hand rubs will be available.

Event density must be no more than one person per four square metres. All in the audience must be seated in groups of six, two metres away from other groups, and must wear a mask, which may be only removed when consuming food or beverage.

Rules for children and pregnant women

Children between 5 and 11 years of age must present a negative rapid test result not older than 24 hours. Kids aged under 5 are exempted from this requirement if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian holding a valid vaccination certificate. Pregnant women can attend at their own risk, presenting a certificate from a medical practitioner as well as a negative test result (rapid negative test conducted within 24 hours or a PCR test within 72 hours from the start of the event).

EUR 2 million restart boost

In tune with the new regime regulating events, Tourism minister Clayton Bartolo and Culture minister Jose Herrera unveiled on Monday a EUR 2 million funding programme designed to help entertainment event organisers and artists restart their activities, Times of Malta reports. One of the two schemes under the programme will reimburse organizers with EUR 15 for every ticket sold, and will provide EUR 1,500 funding for those who use the bubble system. The other scheme concerns the logistics of events taking place between 19 July and 31 August when venues will be allowed to increase capacity. The government will also provide venues or spaces to performing artist free of charge.