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All rules below have been repealed as of the 2nd of May 2022. We advise all leaders that any members attending activities who have covid symptoms are to be sent home. Mask wearing is not mandatory however scouts who opt to wear a mask should be allowed to do so.

COVID-19 Restrictions

In this fast-changing situation, which is affecting society at all levels, it is important for Scouting to remain strong and continue supporting our local communities. In order to do this, we need to set a good example and put the health and safety of our members, leaders and their families first. In line with new government restrictions, the following measures are now in force. The restrictions follow the current decisions of the state institutions.

The association always recommends outdoor meetings instead of indoors when online meetings are not possible. No organisation-wide SOPs will be prepared at association level. However, each GSL should prepare SOPs for their own Groups as each Group has different site conditions. The travel ban has been lifted, depending on the National list of allowed countries.

1. Sections meetings and activities may be held subject to the following:

1.1 Where possible, Scouts are to remain in their own bubble in fixed spaces. Bubbles need to be as small as possible. Size of bubbles should respect the limit established by the Number of Persons in Public Spaces Regulations, 2021 – ie currently 6 members per bubble.

1.2 For the purpose of conformity with point 1 above, each patrol/six can be considered a single bubble, provided the number of Scouts in a patrol or six does not exceed 6. If a patrol exceeds six Scouts, it should be split into two bubbles.

1.3 For the use of masks please follow the rules as given out by the health authorities, found here.

1.4 Keeping an appropriate physical distance of 2 metres from others shall be maintained as much as possible in all areas.

1.5 The maximum numbers as recommended by the public health department shall be adhered to at all times on the basis of a maximum capacity of 1 person per 6m2, including leaders.

2. Indoor constraints: Activities/meetings subject to conformity with the Guidelines for Voluntary Organisations issued by the Health Department. Your attention is drawn to the following:

2.1. An attendance log and a temperature log must be kept when meeting indoors.

2.2. Hand sanitiser is to be applied on entry/exit to the building.

2.3. Toilets are to be disinfected before and after the meeting/activity.

2.4. Frequently used surfaces are disinfected during prolonged use of the indoor building (tables, switches, door handles).

3. Small organised controlled events for vaccinated persons,

3.1 Cultural, artistic, dance, theatre and music performances, conferences, awards nights, AGMs etc are permitted as from 5 July 2021. The list of permitted activities is limited to those mentioned here.

3.2 The Standards-for-safer-events-in-enclosed-areas_15Jun21.pdf (gov.mt) must be complied with.

3.3 The GSL is responsible to complete the risk assessment form and send it to [email protected].

3.4 A risk rating of zero is achievable and is encouraged. It is therefore strongly recommended that any such activities are held outdoors, without the use of fans, be open only to ‘mostly young’, and be ‘unlikely to attract tourists’.

3.5 Keeping records of attendees and the ‘promotion of contact tracing app’ is mandatory.

3.6 If the Group cannot guarantee a zero risk, prior authorization will be required from the (Chief Commissioner).

4. Additional rules for camping:

(a) Tents are pitched at a minimum distance of 2 metres from each other in all directions.

(b) The number of people that can sleep within a tent shall be limited by its indoor floor area. Four square metres (4m2) should be allotted per person unless the tent is used by persons from the same household.

(c) The group of persons sleeping in a tent should strive to maintain their group formation during all-day activities including mealtimes.

(d) Group formations should limit the time spent with other groups occupying the other tents as much as possible.

(e) When the occupiers of different tents meet for any community events, the appropriate social distancing principles need to be applied as much as possible.

(f) Dining: the measures applied for indoor or outdoor restaurants would apply as applicable. Preference should be given for outdoor dining as much as possible.

(g) Leisure/sports activities: the measures applied for indoor or outdoor leisure and sports activities would apply as applicable. Preference should be given for leisure and sports activities that are conducted outdoors as much as possible.

(h) Each tent group should be assigned a set of sanitary facilities (e.g. shower, toilet, washbasin) for their sole use. If this is not possible, a timetable can be designed to earmark time-slots for the use of a group. The sanitary facilities need to be disinfected after every use.

(i) Provide ongoing cleaning and disinfection operations of all the common areas. Provide adequate soap and water supplies to permit regular cleaning after each use of the sanitary facilities.

Leaders are to follow the relevant legislation and the standards issues below:

As a general rule:

The Number of Persons in Public Spaces Regulations (as amended by legal notice 238 of 2021).

The Organised Mass Events Regulations (as amended by legal notice 224 of 2021).

For indoor activities: Standards for Extracurricular Education

For certain outdoor activities (example climbing, swimming): Mandatory Standards for Sport Activities

For Camping: Obligatory Conditions and Guidelines for Camping and Camping sites

Updated on 3 May 2022.