The Mediterranean islands of Malta became the latest European nation to tighten Covid-19 restrictions as virus numbers hit a new record for a second successive day.
Health Minister Chris Fearne said events where people could not be seated were being banned from Dec 27 while sports events would have to be held behind closed doors. All venues have to close by 1:00am, Reuters reports.
An open-air New Year's Eve celebration in the capital, Valletta, was cancelled.
Fearne said all those aged over 18 will be able to apply for vaccine booster shots from Dec 27, and vaccination certificates will be necessary for entry to most venues from Jan 17.
