Mid-Day Briefing
Average of 10 operations a day being postponed due to Covid-19
The Health Ministry revealed today that the spike in COVID-19 cases is forcing the cancellation of an average of 10 non-urgent surgeries a day, with patients being turned away from Mater Dei Hospital after testing positive. The health ministry confirmed elective surgeries are being postponed as asymptomatic patients are sent back home. “A number of elective surgeries are being postponed due to patients testing positive for COVID on admission. This is to minimise the risk of infecting staff and other patients and because surgery in COVID patients is riskier,” a spokesperson said. (Times of Malta)
Jason Micallef distances himself from Manwel Cuschieri removal
The Labour Party’s head of media, Jason Micallef resorted to Facebook to insist that he was not involved – or even consulted – in a decision to stop the radio programme presented by former PL president Manwel Cuschieri. Jason Micallef added that decisions related to political programmes are taken exclusively by the party. Labour social media pages erupted into a frenzy over the past few weeks with many contesting the removal of Cuschieri. Micallef also said that it is not true that he has been asked to leave his position as chairman of the Labour Party media, One. (The Malta Independent)
Inflation to increase further -Commission
Inflation in Malta this year is set to rise to 5.6% according to the latest economic forecast published by the European Commission. The increases in food, transport and imported goods prices, and a continued recovery in the tourism and hospitality services are set to drive up price pressures also in 2023, with inflation remaining elevated at 3.3%. (Newsbook)
Malta infringes data link requirements
The European Commission has referred Malta to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to provide and operate data link services for all operators of appropriately equipped aircraft flying within the airspace under their responsibility. Data link systems are used to send information between aircraft and air traffic controllers, aiding in improving the efficiency of communications between pilots and controllers. In turn, this increases air traffic control capacity. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Caqnu rejects improper conduct claims
Business developer Charles Polidano, known as ic-Caqnu, yesterday provided the police with documentation to rebut any suggestion that he or his son Gordon engaged in improper conduct in his dealings with Malta Freeport Terminals, a statement issued on behalf of the two said. A spokesman for Polidano said: “Charles Polidano has not been charged with any offence and is determined to show that suggestions of corruption and money laundering are entirely without foundation.” Polidano and his son will continue to “demonstrate their innocence” through their lawyers Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Franco Galea, the statement added. (Maltatoday)
Tense developments in Dembska court sitting
A tense court sitting on Friday provided significant insight in the gruesome murder of Polish student Paulina Dembska, with the police explaining the the accused had stated that the devil had “given him a plan” requiring two more murders. A crucial element of the testimony however indicated that Abner Aquilina, the accused,had only started mentioning supernatural forces when he felt cornered. Murder victim Paulina Dembska’s parents were present in court today, as Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia declared that the court had seen sufficient evidence for Aquilina to be indicted. (Independent
Covid-19 Update
The health authorities reported 310 new Covid-19 cases on Friday while no new deaths were recorded.
The number of active cases has fallen to 6,928. (Newsbook)
