Malta takes strict measures as COVID-19 cases surge

People wearing face masks are reflected on the window of a closed store in Valletta, Malta, March 11, 2021. The Maltese government on Wednesday announced the closure of schools and non-essential shops in response to a spike in new COVID-19 cases, almost two-thirds of which are attributable to the variant first reported in the UK. The new measures, which will be in force until April 11, include the closure of all non-essential shops and those providing non-essential services such as hairdressers and beauticians while the limitation of group gatherings in public down to a maximum of four people. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)