Updated 1745 – Newsportal Review
The Times of Malta reports a statement by the travel agents federation, FATTA, which noted that just as travel agents and tour operators had started to see some business return, many now fear the new travel restrictions will stall bookings, lead to cancellations and leave a lasting impact on the tourism sector. “We are all very concerned, just at a time when business had begun to build up,” said the president of the association, Iain Tonna.
The Malta Independent says that the European Commission has expressed its concern about Malta’s most recent decision to bar travellers who are not fully vaccinated and in possession of a vaccine certificate from entering the country.
TVM reports that a 50-year-old builder who lives in Sannat is in critical condition after falling from a height of several metres at a construction site located in Fisher Street, Mġarr.
Maltatoday reveals that Charles Farrugia known as it-Tikka tells Speaker he will adjust income tax returns to declare money received from a property deal involving Yorgen Fenech in what appears to be an attempt to exonerate Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar.
Newsbook carries a PN statement in which the Opposition is appealing for mediation between engineers and the Government. In a later statement, the Government announced that although a meeting was arranged, the MAPE never showed up.
Updated 1234: Covid-19 Update (2)
179 new cases were reported on Monday, as the case load continued to increase, taking the active case tally to 634. These cases were identified from 2,647 swab tests. Only two persons recovered.
Updated 1145: Covid-19 Update (1)
Health Minister in quarantine: Deputy PM and Health Minister Chris Fearne is in self-isolation after coming in contact with a relative who had tested positive for the virus. In a statement, the Health Ministry said that following the applicable procedures, Fearne will be working from home.
65% of 12-15-year-olds vaccinated: Two-thirds of children aged 12 to 15 have been administered a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a process which started after the beginning of the school holidays. Nearly 350,000 people in Malta are now fully vaccinated.
Newspaper Review
L-Orizzont publishes an interview with Assistant Police Commissioner Alexandra Mamo, the first woman appointed to the role. The Deputy Commissioner said she will carry out her function in the interests of the country.
The Independent says that the government is planning to invest €470 million to upgrade industrial zones. A spokesperson for the economy ministry said the programme will create some 60,000 square metres of industrial space.
The Times reports that the population in Malta grew by 0.3 per cent in 2020, the smallest increase in a decade. The country also registered the biggest fall in annual growth among all EU member states.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech that everyone has a responsibility in rebuilding the country. Grech appealed to ‘the silent majority’ to join the party’s efforts in addressing the nation’s challenges.
L-Orizzont reports that a man was handed a two-month prison sentence for failing to turn up for his court hearings. He is facing accusations of skipping on his maintenance payments to his former wife and children.
In-Nazzjon publishes an interview with Caritas Malta director Anthony Gatt who insisted that whoever looks for help in overcoming substance abuse and addictions should be able to find it.
The Times says that two in three children aged between 12 and 15 have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. The health ministry said that all children in this age group will have received their invitation for the first jab by July 24.
In-Nazzjon covers a speech by PN secretary general Francis Zammit Dimech who said that politics is not just for politicians and that it is a mission. The secretary general was addressing the party’s General Council.
Vaccination is civic duty – PM
PM Robert Abela said that it was a civic duty to get vaccinated, noting how over 80% had already done so. Speaking on Sunday he said that “employers should convince their employees to take the vaccine. The time taken to return to normality will be extended unless the 20% get vaccinated”. Insisting that Malta was first in the EU to allow access only to fully vaccinated persons, Abela accused PN leader Bernard Grech of putting forward “populist” proposals based on what was being said on social media.
Malta needs new Government – PN
Malta needs a new government – one that would not risk people’s lives and livelihoods, Bernard Grech said. Speaking on radio, Grech said that Labour’s mismanagement allowed the pandemic to raise its head again. “It first allows a crisis, and then manages it – management by crisis. The government is incompetent and does not want to listen to stakeholders. “We need a change, we cannot continue risking our lives and livelihood anymore,” he added. The PN leader added that government had attracted the “wrong” type of tourist in trying to bring over English language students, but at the same time lambasted Government for closing English language schools with students who may be fully vaccinated are now suffering as well.
Malta gets A rating by DBRS
DBRS Ratings has confirmed the Republic of Malta’s Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency – Issuer Ratings at A (high). At the same time, DBRS Morningstar confirmed the Republic of Malta’s Short-Term Foreign and Local Currency – Issuer Ratings at R-1 (middle). The trend on all ratings is Stable. “The magnitude of the potential economic cost from FATF’s grey-listing for the Maltese economy remains unclear and will depend on firms’ ability to manage the repercussions and the response of international investors to the change in status.” The report bhowever noted that the impact could remain limited if the Maltese authorities provide tangible evidence of the effectiveness of their framework to quell FATF’s concerns.
Covid-19 Update
Coronavirus remained in three digit territory on Sunday, with 101 cases, following 109 on Saturday. With three recoveries, the active case load has now shot up to 457.
CDE News
