Restaurants, hairdressers and beauty parlours are amongst other businesses that will re-open in the coming days. This was confirmed by the Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela who declared that “Malta and Gozo are COVID-19 safe”.
Malta still have 96 active coronavirus cases. A total of 50,000 swab tests have been carried out so far. 456 patients have recovered and six other have lost their life. According to the Health authorities, Malta has not reached the second wave of the pandemic.
However, the Medical Association of Malta, MAM, and the union respresenting the nurses, MUMN, showed their disappointed that the government is putting economic interests before health and appeals to the Maltese public to remain very alert and cautious and to keep social distancing and avoid any form of crowding in public places as much as possible. At the moment a total of 287 healthcare workers at Mater Dei hospital are currently in quarantine.
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has warned that if Malta does not open its airport in time for summer, the country will face a situation of mass unemployment.
However, the Medical Association. “As a result the global world meter scale for COVID-19 cases, Malta has moved up to the top twenty nations, having twice the number of daily cases per population when compared to Italy, Spain and Germany. The country may have lost 8 weeks because Malta now have the numbers of two months ago. This is most unfortunate as to date Malta has had the lowest death rate in the European Union”,
The doctors’ union remarked that the high number of cases registered last week for four consecutive days has occurred exactly two weeks after the first easing measures by the Maltese government.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Abela hinted that restaurants and hairdressers will re-open this week and that people should enjoy beaches while maintaining social distancing. In view of this, the bishops of Malta and Gozo will be meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne to discuss the way forward on whether Churches are to re-open.
The Maltese Prime Minister is encouraging people to get out of their residences and make use of the services available. “If we re-open restaurants, I will be the first one to go, to send a message that it is safe.” However the unions representing the doctors and nurses are appealing the public that staying at home remains the safest option. On Sunday, 71 persons were fined €100 each for being in groups of more than four, while another two were found breaching mandatory quarantine.
Regarding the re-opening of restaurants, the Superintendent of Public Health, Professor Charmaine Gauci said that people will feel safe to go if the necessary measures will be in place. Prof. Gauci said that the decision for restaurants to re-open was based on a risk-assessment study.
(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

A group of 50 migrants were rescued by a fishing vessel in a rescue operation coordinated by the Maltese authorities. It was also reported that water was entering the boat and the weather conditions were very dangerous.

According to the NGO Alarm Phone, Malta has asked Italian authorities to issue the necessary permits to allow the migrants to disembark at the nearest port in Lampedusa.

On Sunday, the NGO Alarm Phone reported that a group of 50 migrants who fled from Libya, contacted the NGO that they were in the Italian SAR Zone and Alarm Phone reported they were a few miles away from Lampedusa. It then corrected the migrants’ position that they were actually in the Maltese SAR zone.

According to Alarm Phone, the Maltese and the Italian authorities did not provide them with information on whether they will rescue the migrants or not. The NGO also said that the cargo vessel, Fuji Bay has been on the scene for several hours.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

On Monday, the Maltese government is expected to announce the removal of various restrictions which were put in place last March to combat the transmission of COVID-19. This was confirmed by the Tourism Minister, Julia Farrugia while addressing 1,500 operators in the tourism sector during a virtual meeting.

Farrugia said that “there will be a summer and the first step will be to re-launch the internal tourism between Malta and Gozo.” The Minister said that “clear protocols” on the opening of certain sectors, like restaurants, hotels and beaches, will also be announced by the Maltese Prime Minister.

The death rate in Malta stands at 1%, way below the global average which stands at 8%.  546 coronavirus cases have been registered in Malta. A total of 450 individuals have recovered, six patients have lost their life while the total number of active cases stands at 90. Till today, 49,231 swab tests were carried out. The average rate of transmission has remained below 1.

Meanwhile, the Maltese economy is being hit very hard. According to a study by EY auditors, local operators in the tourism sector says that they expect a meaningful recovery to take between two to five years before returning to 2019 levels. They expect 2020 to be significantly loss-making. All reservations until the end of June 2020 were either cancelled or deferred. Bookings for the rest of the season are being cancelled or postponed gradually. The majority expect the crisis to prolong into 2021.

Among the tourism operators there are significant concerns that the recovery will be slow and difficult, while uncertainty around the duration of the pandemic, availability of a vaccine, and changes in consumer behaviour will make the matter worse.

The operators think that Malta needs to re-assess its tourism product in the light of the ongoing challenge and the need to have a long-term vision for government support measures. They did welcome the measures so far.

Meanwhile, the Maltese government is in talks with nine countries to open safe travel corridors. These countries are Luxembourg, Norway, Serbia, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Israel. All ports are closed and the only operations taking place are the repatriation flights and transportation of accompanied cargo under strict health control conditions by Virtu Ferries to Sicily.

The Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne remarked that this is the most difficult time. “We cannot keep everything closed off. But we are aware that by opening up, we know that there is a price. One may contract the virus. One needs to be caution that if there is a spike in coronavirus cases registered in Malta, no one would want to come to the island. But it is about the easing off measures. However we cannot keep everything closed forever.”

Chris Fearne said that the travel corridors would allow for some flights to operate and these are being done to mitigate the effect on the economy. “The predictions are showing that there will be a global recession after the pandemic and those who will manage the outbreak well, will emerge economically strong.” He remarked that no one would want to travel to countries with a high number of active cases.

Fearne added “we cannot keep everything closed forever. We need to learn how to live with the virus. There will be a war for the vaccine. Unless a vaccine is developed, the virus will remain around. A country with a covid-19 vaccine would gain competitive edge and can restart its economy.”

Local shops which have reopened in the last two weeks are reporting very slow business. According to the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, most of the shop owners are at a defict due to lack of business and expenses related to rent, water and energy bills.

According to an indipendent international study carried out by Columbia economics Professor Ceyhun Elgin, Malta placed first out of 165 countries when it comes to the economic measures taken and supplements given by the government to address the  economic and social turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In March, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a €1.81 billion financial package for Maltese businesses; 12.9% of Malta’s Gross Domestic Product. The package includes tax deferrals of up to €700 million, loan guarantees of €900 million and a wage supplement scheme of €70 million a month until June for 90,000 workers.

The Maltese Deputy Prime Minister said that at the beginning of the outbreak he was convinced that Malta was well prepared to take on the coronavirus once it hit the country. He described the transition period as the most difficult, an uncharted territory, where one had to take crucial decisions based on the information at hand. “There is the need to find a balance between the economy and public health. Summer will offer a limited window of opportunity for businesses.”

The death rate in Malta stands at 1%, way below the global average which stands at 8%.  546 coronavirus cases have been registered in Malta. A total of 450 individuals have recovered, six patients have lost their life while the total number of active cases stands at 90. Till today, 49,231 swab tests were carried out. The average rate of transmission has remained below 1.
(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

Malta has registered its sixth coronavirus victim. The local health authorities this morning confirmed that Professor Aaron Casha, aged 53 lost his life after contracting coronavirus on May, 9th. 

The Ministry for Health announced that the man was certified dead last night and that he was suffering from other health conditions and was being treated at Mater Dei Hospital. he was being treated at Mater Dei Hospital prior to contracting the virus.

Casha was a surgeon and an academic who specialized in heart disease. Family and friends have paid tribute to Casha on social media who has been described as a brilliant surgeon and a top academic. 

Six new cases were registered in the last 48 hours. So far, Malta has registered a total of 508 positive cases. 66 are still active.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

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Source: medNews

The Maltese government confirmed that Maltese Ambassador to Finland, enterpreneur Michael Zammit Tabone has resigned after comparing German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in a post on Facebook.
The Maltese Foreign Ministry stated that Zammit Tabona’s comments does not represent the friendship and mutual respect between Malta and Germany. Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo reiterated the commitment of the Maltese government to deepen the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.
Zammit Tabone often shares content showing Italian far right Northern League Leader Matteo Salvini. He wrote: “75 years ago we stopped Hitler. Who will stop Angela Merkel? She has fulfilled Hitler’s dream! To control Europe.”
The Nationalist Opposition condemned Zammit Tabona’s behaviour describing it “most incorrect”. The Maltese Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry welcomed the resignation and declared that such comments do only harm to Malta’s reputation.
Michael Zammit Tabona served as Malta’s Ambassador (non-resident) to Finland for these last six years.
Photo by Roderick Agius
(ITALPRESS/MNA)

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Source: medNews

Turkey has lifted ban on export of medical equipment and restrictions on the export of medical supplies to fight Coronavirus.The Trade Ministry lifted the restrictions on the sale abroad of ventilators, respirators, intubators and disinfectants such as ethanol, according to a decree published in the Official Gazette on May 2. Previously the sale of such supplies was either prohibited or subject to a requirement to obtain authorization from the Turkish government, with permission given sparingly.It is also expected easing of controls on facemask and medical workwear exports soon. Source: Hürriyet Daily News.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

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Source: medNews

Malta registered the fifth patient that has died of coronavirus. The victim is an 81-year-old male. The Health Ministry explained that the man was also suffering from other medical conditions.
Until today Malta and Gozo registered 484 positive cases in total; 72 are still active cases.
The Superintendent for Public Health, Professor Charmaine Gauci confirmed that in the last 24 hours two new cases have been detected; a 32-year-old woman from the Philippines who works as a carer at Karin Grech Hospital. The woman was in contact with the 5th person who has died of coronavirus. Prof. Gauci said that the staff working at the ward where the 5th victim was being taken care of was also tested. The other case is of a 30-year-old Maltese woman.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

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Source: medNews

Malta asked Pope Francis to host a family of migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea to give a concrete example to other EU countries on how burden sharing should be.

The Maltese government’s request was made through a diplomatic message.

Maltese Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo said that the Holy See has the moral authority to discuss the issue of migration with EU political leaders and to find a political and humanitarian solution to this human suffering.

All Maltese ports are closed as a precautionary measure to combat the transmission of coronavirus and no migrants saved at sea can disembark in Malta. Pope Francis had plans to meet migrants in Malta during a pastoral visit scheduled for this month, but which was postponed due to travel restrictions because of the coronavirus.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

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Source: medNews

Malta registered more positive cases of patients with COVID-19 who had no symptoms. The Superintendent of Public Health, Professor Charmaine Gauci insisted that these cases proves the health authorities’ declarations that the coronavirus is spreading within the local community.
In the last 24 hours, nine new cases were confirmed, five of them had no symptoms. Of these nine cases, eight were Maltese and a 21-year-old Spanish girl. Malta’s total number of active cases went down to 81 from 96 as 13 were declared recovered from COVID-19. Malta’s total cases of COVID-19 now sits at 477, with the recoveries numbering 392.
Prof Gauci explained that despite the authorities’ decision to relax more measures, the pandemic was far from being considered over. The wearing of mask is compulsory in any shops as of tomorrow and fines will be applied to people caught not wearing these masks.
The health authorities in Malta are being very diligent in handling the present situation. The Superintendent of Public Health said the authorities are relaxing some of the measure that were put in force but they need the people’s cooperation to go a step further to remove more restrictions. “If we want to return to the normal life, it is very important that everyone cooperates by following the measures the authorities are putting in place. This should be done not because the measures are enforceable by law but because you should protect everyone’s life”.
(ITALPRESS/MNA)

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Source: medNews

The Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela today declared that the country arrived at a point to start easing off restrictions thanks to the full cooperation by the Maltese public in the fight against COVID-19. During a press confernce held at Auberge de Castille, the Maltese Prime Minister said that the authorities are taking such decisions based on scientific evidence and the plan is to lift most of the restrictive measures within three weeks. He announced that commercial establishments will reopen as from Monday, but the airport and ports will remain closed.
More details were divulged by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Chris Fearne. He said that as from Monday some businesses may reopen subject to a number of restrictions; VRT testing centres, jewellry, cloths and shoe shops, opticians and perfumery shops, hobby outlets and others selling furniture. Businesses will be required to allow 1 person per 10 metres. Before entering a shop, a hand sanitizer will be available. Thermal screening will be obligatory at shopping malls. Masks will be mandatory when accessing these services. Beauticians, hairdressers, bars, cafes and restaurants are not allowed to open yet.
The court registry will be reopened as from Monday too and restrictions on traveling between Malta and Gozo will be eased off. Passengers will be required to wear masks but the amount of passengers allowed onto the Gozo ferry will be controlled .
2 meters markings will be placed for the public to know where to stand, Fearne said. This will be done in cooperation with local councils.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said that since the number of active cases are low as from Monday several medical tests will be carried out at Mater Dei hospital. These will include CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, endoscopy tests and screening for cervical cancer. All health centres will resume providing free vaccines to minors. Chris Fearne explained that some health services were reduced in order to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak in Malta but insisted that the health services will be increased gradually.

The Maltese Deputy Prime Minister announced that two coronavirus cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours; a Gozitan man who was asymptomatic and a migrant residing at ?al Far open centre. The total number of active cases stands at 96.
While addressing the press conference, Professor Charmaine Gauci urged the full cooperation of the public as the measures will be rolled back. She said that teleworking has functioned and it is still considered as important and part of social distancing regulations. Prof. Gauci said that there may be asymptomatic individuals within the community and this was not the time for big public gatherings. She said that masks will be used as the restrictions are eased off. The Minister for Health remarked that the authorities were in touch with those producing or importing masks and visors to make sure that there are enough available.

Individuals considered to be vulnerable have been encouraged to remain home. The Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne warned that the virus is still within the community, and these individuals should take care and refrain from non-essential outings. He declared that measures will be reassessed over the coming three weeks and as from Monday, people may gathered in public in groups of four instead of three.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

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Source: medNews