Needless to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed and halted many, if not all, of our plans for the year of 2020. The virus struck our shores merely 10 months ago and the effects have been, well, rather shocking to say the least.
Within weeks, Malta entered a partial lockdown, with clubs, bars and restaurants having no option but to close their doors, granting the health authorities a brief period of respite. By summer 2020, many of us (arguably rather naively) believed that the end was nigh and that we would finally be able to enjoy the hectic, exciting Maltese summer we felt we deserved.
Despite a couple of months of rather lax restrictions, by the 19 of August, authorities ordered for the closure of all nightclubs and bars, in an attempt to curb the latest COVID-19 spikes. At the time, discos, night bars, concert halls and sports clubs were also forced to shut their doors. By the end of October, we seemed to have accepted our fate, as bars and social clubs were instructed to remain closed and groups of no more than six were allowed to roam the streets in public together. Mask wearing became mandatory at all times, bar a couple of exceptions, and we felt disheartened, to say the least. Alternative solutions We’ve entered a brand new year. COVID-19 vaccines have not only been approved by the European Medicines Agency, but are being disseminated and administered as we speak. In the words of Elvis Presley: ‘there’s a brand new day on the horizon’.
As far as the re-opening of establishments is concerned, the Superintendent of Public Health confirmed that bars and village clubs would indeed remain closed till the start of February. That being said, we refuse to lose hope anytime soon. Despite the slim possibility that the ban is extended (but we’ve successfully brushed that idea swiftly under the rug), we refuse to lose hope. The Maltese population is known, and always has been known for its sheer resilience. In addition to our reputation of banding together when times are tough, the cursed year of 2020 has taught many the crucial skill of brainstorming for solutions and alternatives. Countless museums have shut their doors. Does that mean that art is no longer created and appreciated? Definitely not. Clubs have been ordered to close for months. Does that mean that human beings no longer feel the urge to dance? Highly doubtful. Thrilling events, festivals, parties and shows have been a part of the Maltese lifestyle for years and even in the face of the pandemic, the show, for lack of a better phrase, must go on. Many SMEs have made use of their time wisely, by embracing technological advancements and opting to go online. Cancelled festivals and shows have, too, chosen to showcase talented artists and musicians via webinars or live streams, ensuring that our yearning for inspiration, knowledge and appreciation of music and art is satiated, at least for the time being.
There’s a brand new day on the horizon, giving up hope now is simply not an option.
