Swimming in a full-body Islamic bathing suit is just as hygienic as using any other form of swimwear, according to the State health directorate.

Charmaine Gauci, who heads the Health Promotion and Disease Directorate, told Times of Malta there was no hygiene concern in swimming in a full-body suit or burkini.

Dr Gauci was contacted after the Marsa Sports Club last month ordered a Muslim woman not to use the pool wearing a burkini. The Maltese Muslim, who has since left the club, had said she felt singled out just because of her religion.

The sports club, on the other hand, defended its position, saying it felt the bathing suit was unhygienic and went against its policy. It said it had a long history of hosting several members of different faiths.

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