These are the main news reported by the leading Maltese news portals:
The Office of the Deputy PM and the Ministry of Health have provided further information about the decision announced yesterday regarding the closure of shops which sell products and services considered to be non-essential. On the order of the Supt of Public Health, as from 23 March at 8am, the retail outlets which sell the following products have to close. The Government also announced that with effect from the date and time mentioned, those outlets providing non-essential services will also have to shut. Fines of €3,000 will be imposed each time these new measures are breached. Source: TVM
Malta has registered 17 new cases of coronavirus overnight, bringing the total number of infections so far to 107. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci said on Monday that all cases, including an elderly man who is recovering at hospital’s Intensive Therapy Unit, are stable and doing well. Source: MaltaToday
Cabinet ministers and senior government advisors will hold an emergency meeting on Monday evening to discuss the roll out of further financial aid measures to help manage the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on businesses. Source: Times of Malta
HSBC Malta has launched a series of measures to support personal customers, employed in a range of sectors, who may be affected by the current COVID-19 outbreak. These measures which are available immediately depending on the customer’s circumstances and eligibility criteria, include a three-month capital repayment moratorium on home loans and personal loans. Source: The Malta Independent
The Archbishop’s Curia has announced that Pope Francis’ Apostolic visit to Malta at the end of May has been postponed. Pope Francis was planned to visit Malta on the 31st May 2020. Source: Newsbook
Foreign News Roundup
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