Editorial | A transition plan is needed

Malta has played its hand well in dealing with the COVID-19 health crisis. The numbers show that the health authorities, with the public’s cooperation, have managed to contain the virus spread.

This has ensured that the health services were not overwhelmed as happened in some other European countries.

The danger has not subsided but it has been contained. It is within this context that the country must now try to re-start some aspects of the economy to relieve the financial hardship the crisis has brought on families and businesses.

Government has not yet outlined its transition strategy to start lifting some of the restrictions introduced over the past seven weeks.

We understand that a risk analysis is being done on each of the individual measures to determine what is the best way forward.

We know that life will not be returning to normal anytime soon. On the contrary, it will be a new normal still conditioned by social distancing restrictions and continued protection of vulnerable people and the elderly.

But in view of the economic burden COVID-19 has brought about, the uncertainty over what transition strategy will be adopted is leaving businesses in a more vulnerable state.

A study by the Malta Employers Association shows that many companies have staved off job terminations but most can only resist going down this route for another month or so.

After May, unemployment is very likely to pick up pace and will only be made worse if all restrictions remain in force as is.

This is not to say that government must rescind everything with the danger of reversing all the health benefits achieved so far.

But a gradual, well-planned and transparent transition strategy is necessary.

Government may start to lift the restrictions on some retail outlets, allowing them to open but imposing conditions on the number of patrons that may be inside the outlet at any one time.

It may be too early to consider restaurants at this stage but a strategy that enforces reduced table covers and adequate distancing between diners could be mapped out.

A system of alternative day openings in some areas may be considered, especially if the changes attract more people to the streets of the locality.

Government may also consider the mandatory use of face masks on public transport and in large outlets like supermarkets.

A strategy will also be required to deal with beachgoers as summer approaches and the temptation to head to the shore for a swim grows.

Understandably, all this will require discipline and enforcement. And any measure that is lifted will have to be evaluated with the possibility of being re-introduced if infection numbers start to increase.

Aggressive COVID-19 testing and contact tracing must continue, possibly with the help of apps that will enable the rapid identification and isolation of infected people.

In this way, the country will start chugging along on reduced power and fuelled by domestic demand.

It will be nowhere near what the economy was until two months ago. Tourism will still be out of bounds for many more months and demand will be subdued.

But a gradual transition to the new normal will enable some companies to retain jobs rather than shed them. It will enable families to continue receiving an income rather than depend on government handouts. It could help some businesses survive rather than shutter up for good.