Updated 2002 – 92 year old is 31st victim from Covid-19
A 92-year-old woman is the 31st Covid-19 death, the Ministry of Health said last night. She was a resident at an unidentified care home.
The elderly woman was confirmed positive for the disease on 15 September and died during the night.
Updated 1232 – 29 new cases of Covid-19 in Malta
Health authorities reported 29 new cases in their daily briefing, with 43 persons recovering.
Active cases have gone down to 623.
Updated 0911 – Newspaper Review
In-Nazzjon reports that the number of Covid-19 victims has now risen to 30 after two elderly people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours. Another four patients are being kept in intensive care, two of whom remain in an unstable condition.
The Independent quotes a statement by the Education Ministry which says that the return to school is a priority and reassured parents and students that the right safety protocols are in place ahead of the new start date in less than two weeks.
The Times says that state and church schools have decided to delay the first day of the scholastic year by a week and will now reopen on October 7. Classes will begin in a staggered fashion according to year group.
In-Nazzjon quotes Education Minister Owen Bonnici who confirmed that children in kindergarten will sit in pairs when they return to school. A spokesperson for the ministry explained that the decision was based on expert advice.
L-Orizzont says that the teachers’ union and the parents’ association of state school students welcomed the decision by the authorities to make a gradual re-entry into school between the second and third week of October.
The Times reports on the launch of a long-term strategy by the police corps to regain the public’s trust. The chairman of the police board of governors, Saviour Formosa, said the force has been changing to address new forms of crime.
L-Orizzont quotes Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri who said that the new strategy unveiled by the police force will lead to 49 concrete steps that will strengthen the corps and build a safer society.
The Independent outlines an 11-point plan published by the police to help transform the perception and effectiveness of the force. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa’ said that the document will translate into action.
In-Nazzjon says that thousands of PN members cast their votes in the party leadership election as early voting opened on Friday evening. Nearly 21,500 paid-up members are eligible to choose between Adrian Delia and Bernard Grech.
Morning Briefing
Covid19 Update: Death tally reaches 30
Malta has reached the grim tally of 30 Covid-19 victims, after a 94-year old passed away yesterday, hours after being tested positive for the virus.
The health authorities said the woman tested positive during routine testing at a home for the elderly. She had already tested negative on September 9 and 14.
Meanwhile, Health Superintendent Prof Charmaine Gauci said that 37 persons suffering from Coronavirus are being treated in different hospitals, with two of them in a critical condition.
Accountancy Board suspends Brian Tonna’s and Karl Cini’s warrants
The Accountancy Board has suspended the accountancy warrants of Nexia BT’s Brian Tonna and Karl Cini after their arrest earlier this week.
In a statement on its website, the board said it took this decision “following the conclusion of the magisterial inquiry by Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras and related developments.”
The Practising Certificates in Auditing have also been suspended, together with the registration of Nexia BT and its subsidiaries BTI Management Limited and Nexia BT Advisory Services Limited.
PN leadership election underway
Paid-up members of the Nationalist Party have yesterday started voting in the leadership election that sees incumbent Adrian Delia being challenged by relative-newcomer Bernard Grech.
Early voting got underway on Friday evening and is expected to continue throughout the coming week, with the main voting day expected on 3rd October.
The PN’s electoral commission said that up to 21,499 paid-up members were eligible to vote in this election.
CDE News
