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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Dresch

Malta claims to be first EU country to achieve herd immunity against coronavirus

Malta claims it has become the first country in the EU to achieve herd immunity.

The country says it has vaccinated 70% of its adult population with at least one Covid-19 shot.

The island has recorded an average of three new virus cases each day in the past week, with the test positivity rate at a low of 0.2%.

Malta is currently on the UK's 'amber list', meaning Brits will have to self-isolate and undergo Covid tests when they return home.

Brits will also have to present a negative Covid test carried out less than 72 hours before arriving in the Mediterranean country.

Malta is currently on the UK's 'amber list' for travel (REUTERS)

However Malta may soon be moved onto the UK's 'green list', which would save returning travellers from having to self-isolate.

Malta's Health Minister Chris Fearne said: "Vaccines are being administered at a rate of one every five seconds. 42% of the adult population has received two doses."

Tourism officials in Malta and the UK are working on creating 'mutually recognised vaccine certificates' to assist travel between the countries, the Times of Malta reports.

Vaccination is currently open to all residents of Malta over the age of 16 and Mr Fearne said children aged 12 and over would also be inoculated once European medical authorities give the go-ahead.

The Mediterranean country may soon be placed on the UK's 'green list' (REUTERS)

Mr Fearne also announced that mandatory wearing of masks outdoors would be lifted on July 1 for vaccinated people as long as virus cases remain low.

The health authorities had earlier announced that mask-wearing would no longer be necessary on beaches from June 1.

On Monday, restrictions on gyms and swimming pools were lifted, while the opening hours of restaurants were extended to midnight after previously being forced to close at 5pm.

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