Updated 1232
Nine new cases today
Prof Charmaine Gauci announced another nine positive cases in Malta were registered yesterday, taking the total to 393. These cases include three further immigrants who are resident at Hal Far and were identified from another 20 tests taking place yesterday. The immigrants are from Ivory Coast, Sudan and Tunisia.
1051 swabs were carried out in total yesterday.
The new cases, which are all locally transmitted, include a 23 year old British citizen who works in the private sector and an Indian female carer who works at an Old People’s Home. However, she was tested before entry on the place of work and therefore no contact with the residents took place.
Despite the low numbers registered in the past three days, Gauci indicated that the authorities “did not consider the peak as having been reached.
Questioned about the criminalisation of Covid-spreading, Prof Gauci said that the relevant legal notice is still being discussed.
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Updated 1145
MDA asks members to reduce inconvenience by construction project
In a statement, the Malta Developers Association said that it had already instructed its members, to reduce as much as possible the unavoidable inconvenience caused by construction projects in residential areas. MDA members were directed to start excavation and demolition works after 8am. It also urged developers and contractors to avoid noisy works during sensitive hours of the day. It said it was satisfied that most of its members have already taken such measures, including some who have suspending works completely.
The association said it was totally against any abuse and called upon the authorities to continue ensuring proper enforcement of regulations.
This statement was issued after The Times of Malta reported that financial assistance for fines incurred over delays, salary compensation for idle workers and lower interest rates on bank loans were the conditions laid out by contractors in return for restricting works in residential areas during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The MDA has made tangible proposals so that, on a temporary basis, developers and contractors can agree to reduce further excavation and demolition works. Since this will entail a reduction in working hours, the MDA is insisting with the authorities that, if such temporary measures in favour of the public are introduced, the employees involved should be treated exactly like other categories of workers who are being helped by state funds. The MDA insists that no discrimination should be allowed among workers affected by the COVID-19. The MDA appreciates their efforts to continue working is such conditions,” it added.
As the world approaches its 2 millionth infected person, Malta has registered another six cases yesterday, taking the tally to 384. 44 persons have now recovered. Despite the low number registered yesterday, health authorities remained adamant that this was still the first part of the crisis and the population should not lower its guard against the pandemic.
As another sunny day blessed the islands, 50 persons were fined €100 each during the continuous patrols that the Police are doing to ensure that there are no groups of more than 3 persons in public places, as per the legal notice issued by the government.
DIER to operate online only
As from tomorrow, the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations will temporarily close its doors in order to safeguard the public’s as well as its worker’s health. It will instead be providing telephonic and online services.
DIER already has helplines in place—1575 (for employees) and 1576 (for employers)—as well as the email address info.dier@gov.mt in order to, among other things, offer guidance and clarifications to employees and employers during these particular circumstances that our country is going through. By law, any change in workers’
employment conditions requires DIER’s permission before coming into force
