Following the announcement by Hon Mr Fearne, we have enquired on the situation with respect to the new lockdown, and whether it applied to people living with HIV. Although initially Hon Mr Fearne referred to people who take immunosuppressive medication as needing to be on lockdown, the intention is that people whose immune system may be suppressed in any way need to self isolate. This means that these self-isolation measures apply to people living with HIV. We will be distributing more information as soon as it is made available.
We fully understand the sensitivity of the situation, especially for people who do not or cannot disclose their status and we are doing our utmost to ensure it is handled in the best possible way.
In the meantime we urge all people living with HIV to take all necessary precautions against COVID-19 and stay safe. If you need support reach out to us and to the Rainbow Support Service which has implemented safe measures to provide free support, and which is available to people living with HIV in Malta. We may be having to live inside for a while, but that does not mean that we are on our own.
