LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The first doses of a vaccine against monkeypox have arrived, health minister Chris Fearne announced on Twitter.
The vaccine doses are part of the EU Joint Procurement Mechanism, and will be offered to primary contacts of confirmed cases free of charge.
To data, Malta has had 30 confirmed monkeypox cases according to data available online.
Those infected with monkeypox are being asked to isolate at home, and that so far, none have been serious enough to warrant hospitalisation. On 28 May, the Public Health Authorities announced that the first case of virus had been detected in Malta. Confirmed positive cases for monkeypox need to remain in isolation for 21 days from the completion of the swab test.
Over 27,000 monkeypox cases have been confirmed worldwide. The cases have been detected largely among men who have sex with men.
The World Health Organisation have said that supplies of the Bavarian Nordic shot, the only vaccine authorised to prevent monkeypox and a key part of the global public health response, are scarce.
(ITALPRESS).
-photo agenziafotogramma.it-

Source: medNews

LA VALLLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Meteorological Office in Malta confirmed that the sea surface temperature in July was almost 3 degrees celcius higher than the usual temperatures recorded during the same month in previous years. This is the first year that the sea surrounding Malta reached 30 degrees by the end of July, and marine biologists are very concerned that this will have a negative impact on the marine eco system.
Statistics published by the Meteorological Office, the sea surface temperature for July was 2.7 degrees celcius warmer than normal levels and even warmen by 1.2 degrees celcius when compared to the sea surface tempreture recorded during the month of August in previous years. Higher sea surface temperature is predicted for the month of August, as the Meteorological Office in Malta confirmed that this month the temperature has already reached 28 degrees celcius, and in some cases 29 degrees celcius to the south of Malta and closer to the Libyan sea. As the sea surrounding Malta is getting warmer, marine biologists ar the University of Malta confirmed that last month was recorded the first marine heatwave posing a threat to the entire marine eco-system. As a result some alien species such as the lionfish and the nomadic jellyfish had reached the Maltese waters and could start leaving a negative impact on the local marine system.
(ITALPRESS).
-photo credits agenziafotogramma.it-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is registering the lowest rate of COVID-19 infections since last March, with a 5.9% positivity rate which is also the lowest in Europe. This was confirmed by the European Centre for Disease Prevntion and Control. The positive cases started decreasing in July following a dramatic increase in positive cases from March up to June. According to the local health authorties, 524 patients are still recovering from COVID-19. According the European Centre for Disease Prevntion and Control, it was also noted a decrease in the number of patients admitted for treatment at Mater Dei hospital, with 4 patients for every 100,000 people. This is considered as one of the lowest rate in Europe. The Maltese health authorities are carrying over 500 tests every day, and each patient admitted in all hospitals in Malta is being screened for COVID-19. However, Malta is registering the second highest death rate in Europe following Greece. The number of death patients due to COVID-19 started increasing as from last June. Howvwer, for the last four days, no new deaths were registered. The number of victims stood at 797.
(ITALPRESS).
– photo credits agenziafotogramma.it-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta International Airport has registered its strongest recovery since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 689,145 passengers travelled through Malta in July. This marks a recovery of more than 86% of the pre-pandemic passengers traffic. According to official statistics, Italy continued to register growth and the Italians are the most among other European countries who travelled through the Malta International Airport. The Italians have exceeded the 2019 passenger numbers in June and July, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain. Altough the Italian market grew by 3% over July 2019, the French market registered notable increase of 41% compared to the same month in 2019 due to the introduction of new flights. Last month, the Malta International Airport registered up to more than three million passenger movements; 75% of the pre-pandemic levels.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities are turning to the Libyan authorities to intervene in assisting migrants found in distress in the Maltese search and rescue area. This was confirmed following a group of 35 migrants who had spent two nights at sea, after the Maltese authorities refused to save them and instead asked the Libyan authorities to intervene. The humanitarian Ngo Alarm Phone confirmed that it has alerted the Maltese authorties that the migrants were facing strong Northern winds and sea water was massively entering inside the migrants’ boat. The ngo confirmed that instead of saving the group of migrants, the Maltese authorities asked the Libyan Coastguard to save the group. Alarm Phone declared that this constitutes a crime and the Maltese authorities should stop ignoring the calls for assistance and instead start to fulfil their duties. Last December, the Maltese government transfered former prison director Alex Dalli to Libya as the government’s home affairs special representative in the country, as part of the agreement signed between Malta and Libya in May 2020 on tackling illegal migration. Dalli who has vast experience with the Armed Forces of Malta as a pilot in search and rescue missions, was under pressure to resign for his notorious leadership as a prison director and after a string of suicides in the Maltese prison.
– Foto xf3 –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has agreed to renew a sponsorship deal with the English Premier League Manchester United to promote the country as a tourist destination for the coming five years. The Maltese have been long time supporters of Manchester United. The Tourism Ministry said that through this partnership agreement, the VisitMalta brand will benefit from strong exposure during home matches and digital marketing channels, social media and on printed media worldwide.”
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo, the ministry’s permanent secretary Anthony Gatt and the Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority Carlo Micallef did not divulge how much will this promotion will cost. The first agreement was signed in September 2009 for a period of three years just six months before the Covid-19 pandemic forced all airports to close down. Minister Bartolo said that the deal would boost Maltàs image in America, Asia and the Middle East. “I am optimistic that this partnership agreement will cement Maltàs prospects in establishing itself as a central hub for sports tourism excellence in the years to come.”

foto: Autorità del turismo maltese

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Maltese man who is wanted by the Italian authorities over drug trafficking accusations was released on bail by a Maltese court following the start of new proceedings for his extradition.
The bail was granted under various conditions including the deposit of 20,000 euros, a personal guarantee of 30,000 euros and an order to sign a bail book every day at the police station in Zurrieq.
The new legal process started following a decision by the Court of Magistrates, rejecting a request for extradition by the Italian authorities because of lack of documentation.
J.S., 56 was arrested in June from his private residence in Qrendi and arraigned following the issue of a European Arrest Warrent. After being informed by the court that the Tribunal of Catania was seeking to prosecute him for drug trafficking and conspiracy, chose not to surrender voluntarily to the Italian Authorities.
The extradition request by the Italian authorities is in connection with a large-scale Ndrangheta drug trafficking operation of about 430kg of cociane and cannabis from Albania and the Italian regions of Puglia and Calabria, that were to be trafficked in Sicily and Malta.
Eventually, the drugs were confiscated last year by the Italian Guardia di Finanza during raids which largely were targeting inidviduals from prominent mafia families following four years of investigation. 15 Italian nationals were arrested by the Italian authorities as part of an ant-drug operation nicknamed ‘Operation La Vallettà.
Lawyers defending J.S. claimed that the evidence presented by the prosecution was not enough for J.S. extradition to Italy. They also declared that Spiteri suffered injustice when he was kept in prison for 60 days. According to the defence, the European Arrest Warrant did not satisfy the requirements established by the European law, there was no proof that a domestic arrest warrant was issued in Italy and the extradition document issued by the Attorney General did not satisfy the legal requirments. The defending lawyers also requested the court to hear the testimony of lawyer Gianluca Giulini, the legal representative of J.S. in Italy. They argued that Giulini has information that would explain more Spiterìs role in this case.
The case was adjourned for August 24 when the judgement is expected to be delivered by Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech.

– foto: ufficio stampa Guardia di Finanza

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The police in Malta concluded its investigations following the arrest of a Bulgarian national, 28, who was found in possession of around 38kg of various drugs with an estimated value of 1.5 million euros. The Bulgarian was arrested in Malta on his arrival from Sicily. Although he pleaded not guilty, a Maltese court decided against the Bulgarian and ordered to be detained in prison.
A student with no fixed address in Malta, was stopped by the police who inspected his van on his arrival from Pozzallo. During the search, sniffer dogs traced the drugs which were placed in different compartments. The compartments were hidden into the sawdust which the Bulgarian declared he was transporting.
The police confirmed that the drugs – 5kg of cocaine, 29kg of cannabis and 4kg of heroin were found in circumstances for trafficking purposes.

– foto: Polizia maltese

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – European Union inspectors, including Maltese inspectors started fishing inspections between an area of 12 and 25 miles, and outside the Maltese territorial water zone to ensure compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy. During the inspections, checks are carried out in specific areas such as Sicily, for tuna, swordfish and lampuki among others depending from the fishing season. However, certain inspections can be carried out on all countries such as Tunisia and Libya. The EU inspectors left from Malta on board the ‘Lundy Sentinel’ and are expected to deliver inspections in connection with the fishing of lampuki, now that the month of August has begun. Year after year, Maltese fishermen face problems with Tunisians fishing on Maltese nets. Such inspections help to ensure that the law which applies to fishermen coming from EU countries like Malta, will also applies to other countries outside the EU. The European Fisheries Control Agency has the right to issue the necessary reports and to issue fines in respect of those who do not observe the rules. Vessels or boats that are caught breaking the law can be placed on the blacklist if they keep repeating the same violation. The ferry is rented by the European Fisheries Control Agency that carries out inspections on both European and non-European fishing vessels in various seas including the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
– Foto Agenziafotogramma.it –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese Film Commission has launched a new attraction throughout the country – dinosaurs from ‘Jurassic World – Dominion’ – a film that was recently shot in Malta and debuted in the cinemas last June. These large dinosaurs will serve as attractions in various local towns where the film was shot, namely in Valletta, Birgu and Mellieha . These dinosaurs will be in the mentioned places until the end of the summer. Around 1,000 Maltese and foreign individuals worked on the film ‘Jurassic World – Dominion’, and in this film Malta is appearing in a number of scenes with the official trailer showing various well-known places. Dinosaurs are seen jumping on the roofs and domes of Maltese churches, running through the streets of Valletta and even in St Georgès Square, infront of the Presidential Palace. This initiative is being considered as an opportunity for Malta to continue to promote itself as an excellent destination in the world of cinema and tourism related to the world of films.
– Photo Department of Information (DOI) –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews