Paola council concerned about reopening of crowded street market

The Paola council is concerned over the reopening of street markets, saying the small area in the locality where stalls set up makes it very difficult for social distancing measures to be adhered to

21 May 2020, 5:20pm
by Karl Azzopardi

1 min read

The location of the Paola street market

Street markets can reopen tomorrow but the Paola council has expressed concern over space limitations in its locality that make it difficult for stall owners to respect social distancing measures.

The council expressed its doubts as to how the street market in its locality can function correctly while abiding by the instructions issued by the health authorities.

“The council understands that these are not normal times, and so it believes that the market should not be operating in a normal way,” it said.

Stqarrija-Kunsill Lokali Paola-21 ta' Mejju 2020. B’referenza għall-protokoll imħabbar mill-Ministeru għall-Ekonomija,...
Posted by Paola Local Council on Thursday, 21 May 2020

The council also expressed its concern over the health of individuals who live in the vicinity where stalls are set up, stating the market is known for the large crowds it attracts.

The Paola market is held in a small car park behind the health centre.

The council called on stall owners to respect hygiene requirements and ensure the space is left clean once the market closes.

On Thursday, Nadur mayor Edward Said said the locality will not be allowing the street market to open, insisting it was a public mass event, making social distancing requirements unable to maintain.

Karl Azzopardi is Online Editor and an IGM press awards (Human Stories) winner of 2019