By , Head of the Department of Public Policy
With a situation that is so fluid and continually changing, affecting the public at large, governments are facing challenging times - ones that demand action. Public policies are of critical importance in responding to extraordinary situations because they try to alleviate and minimise negative effects emanating from that crisis.
Since the onset of COVID-19, restrictive policy measures were enforced to ensure social distancing and quarantine for those with or close relatives of those having contracted the Corona virus. These restrictions were necessary for safeguarding public health. Although there was an intensive public awareness campaign, fines were imposed on those breaching these directives.
Some of these policy measures included a ban of outdoor events, travel to specific countries (and quarantine for anyone coming to Malta), suspension of all inbound flights, closure of schools and educational facilities , ports for asylum seekers and non-essential outlets, and the suspension of Mater Dei’s visiting hours.
Government’s inevitable response to COVID-19 has had major implications on the economy. These include reduced labour supply and productivity, a decline in consumer spending, liquidity issues and the risk of some companies going bankrupt. Monetary and financial measures have been put into place. These also include initiatives such as deferral of tax payments, financial assistance to companies for staff on mandatory quarantine leave, facilitating teleworking activities and assisting with alternative employment for third country nationals.
The regional Director of the World Health Organisation of Europe has praised Malta for the effective health measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect the population. Malta is “on the right track and an example to follow” (Hans Kluge, 2020).
Testing for COVID-19 is an important tool used to understand and analyse the pandemic, how it is spreading and the risks it poses to different populations. On the basis of scientific data, crucial policy decisions could then be taken on medical treatment, isolation, tracing and quarantining as well as allocate medical resources and staff efficiently.
Malta has carried out 10,000 tests per million inhabitants (WHO, 2020) and is one of the highest rated countries after Luxembourg and Iceland, to carry out tests performed per capita.
The pace of recovery and the time taken to bounce back to normality, will depend on the efficacy of policies undertaken. What would Malta’s recovery be? Would life be the same after this episode? Would organisations resume where they left off pre-COVID-19?
The reality is that this crisis has facilitated a culture where most of the labour force is working remotely and indefinitely with ‘untold ramifications’ for the future. The pandemic, in turn, has also shown some organisations that they can operate more effectively.
The University of Malta has experienced accelerated virtual forms of lecturing and learning. Will this way of working be a permanent change? Will this be a new policy? Only time will tell.
