Updated 1250 – Covid-19 Update
Three new cases of coronavirus were reported on Tuesday, while five recovered, taking the active case tally to 69.
After almost two weeks with no new deaths being reported, a 77-year-old female died at Mater Dei, to become the 418th Covid-19 victim.
Newspaper Review
The Times says that Covid-19 rules on facemasks may be eased for fully vaccinated persons in July if Covid-19 cases remain low. The vaccine certificates are expected to be rolled out within the coming days.
The Independent says that more than four in every ten adults are now fully vaccinated and quotes Public Health Superintendent who said that authorities are ready to provide boosters if immunity declines.
In-Nazzjon quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne who said that the government is in talks with the church and stakeholders in the entertainment industry to explore relaxation of Covid-19 measures related to mass events.
The Times says that Enemalta registered losses of about €30 million last year, the first time since 2015. A spokesperson for the electricity provider said that damage to the interconnector and a reduction in demand led to extraordinary costs.
In-Nazzjon follows the launch of proposals by the PN to relieve pressures on the Corradino Correctional Facility. MP Beppe Fenech Adami said that the 10-point plan will restore dignity to the detention services.
The Independent reports that brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio filed a judicial protest claiming that public comments by the Prime Minister last week describing them as “criminals” prejudiced their right to be presumed innocent.
L-Orizzont says that, in 2020, Identity Malta issued under 20,000 new passports, a decrease compared with more than 50,000 the previous year. Registrations for eID accounts, however, increased from 42,000 in 2019 to 76,000 last year.
Morning Briefing
Herd immunity reached
Vaccinated people will not need to wear a mask in public places outdoors as from July 1st, as long as they are alone or in the company of another vaccinated person. Children of vaccinated persons will also benefit from the same exemption. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne during a news conference on Monday.
Fearne also revealed that Malta had reached herd immunity, meaning 70% of adults would have received at least one dose of the vaccinated by Monday evening with 42% being fully vaccinated.
A total of 475,000 doses of the vaccine have been given,with 8,000 doses given daily on certain days, which is equivalent to being vaccinated every 5 seconds.
PN calls for reform of correctional services
The Nationalist Party has proposed automatic bail for those charged with non-serious offences as part of an overhaul of the personal liberty system which would lead to a reduction in the number of inmates. It also proposed the repatriation of foreign prisoners, and reforms to the parole system and to the use of preventive arrests,
In the first of a series of proposals drawn up by clusters discussing various topics, the PN said its ideas will address the overcrowding situation at the Corradino Correctional Facility.
The prison was “close to collapse” with more than double the maximum number of prisoners the facility can take, the Party said. The proposals, the PN said, would reduce the population of people in Malta’s prison, and would provide better conditions for prisoners, a better work environment for guards and other staff, and peace of mind that the situation there is under control.
Covid-19 Update
Health authorities reported just two new COVID-19 cases on Monday as the country moved a step closer to normality with the re-opening of gyms and pools and the extension of restaurant opening hours. No deaths were reported. 1,624 swab tests were carried out on Sunday.
CDE News
