Updated 1255
Covid-19 Update: 235 new cases of coronavirus were reported on Friday, with six recoveries. These were identified from 3,879 swab tests. There are now 1,441 active cases. Health authorities reported that out of the 22 cases reported yesterday, 195 cases concerned 10-39-year-olds, with the average age standing at 24.
Maltese pension plans flagged by US authorities: Maltese pension plans have been flagged by US taxation authorities, with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) including them in a list of tax scams which may facilitate tax evasion. The Times of Malta reports that some US citizens and residents, the IRS said, are relying on an interpretation of the US-Malta Income Tax Treaty to avoid property tax by moving assets to Maltese pension plans. A government spokesman told the paper that the government has “taken note of the concern raised by the United States, through the Internal Revenue Service” and said that the tax department was ready to discuss.
More than 50% of Covid cases are tourists: More than 50% of Covid cases reported yesterday, concerned tourists. 56 of the cases were Maltese. This information was provided by the Health Ministry and revealed by the Malta Independent. From Thursday’s cases, a32 are foreigners residing in Malta, and 134 are tourists.
Updated 0840 – Newspaper Review
The Times says that Air Malta received more than 6,000 cancellations since new travel rules were announced by the government on Friday. A spokesperson for the airline said that several no-shows are being recorded every day.
The Independent covers the launch of a new economic vision by the government based on sustainable growth, infrastructure, education, environment, and governance. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said the country has to be selective in its investments.
L-Orizzont quotes Energy Minister Miriam Dalli who unveiled plans to relocate oil tanking facilities in Birżebbuġa to Ħas Saptan in the coming months. Dalli described the plans as a historical moment for the residents of Birżebbuġa.
In-Nazzjon says that operators in the tourism and entertainment sectors are concerned by the surge in Covid-19 cases. Businesses are worried that they may lose investments that they made in preparation for the season.
The Independent reports that active Covid-19 cases rose to over 1,200 on Thursday. Health authorities said that seven in ten new infected patients were tourists while 90 per cent of all cases involve unvaccinated persons.
The Times reports that US fiscal authorities have launched a probe into Malta-US pension plans believed to have been used for tax evasion. A government spokesperson said Malta has taken note of the developments and is prepared to discuss them with the US.
L-Orizzont announces a new collective agreement for the employees of ST microelectronics that will raise remunerations and add new benefits. The workers were represented by the General Workers Union.
In-Nazzjon quotes a PN statement criticising the Public Broadcasting Services for refusing to abide by Broadcasting Authority orders. The party said that the national broadcaster has been seized by the government.
Morning Briefing
Air Malta hit by travel cancellations
New travel rules introduced by Government and the increasing coronavirus case load in Malta has resulted in a significant number of cancellations, with Air Malta saying that more than 6,000 flight bookings were cancelled since last Friday. This morning, the Times of Malta reports that Air Malta had received “a significant number of cancellations on the majority of its routes” for travel during July and August following the announcement of a change in travel requirements, with new bookings for the rest of the summer season stalling. According to the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, this means around 30,000 bed nights have been lost.
Swab test required for Maltese travelling to Sicily
People travelling from Malta to Sicily will be requested to present a negative swab test result, in addition to their vaccination certificate. This was announced by the President of the Region of Sicily, Nello Musumeci, who introduced such request for people travelling from Malta, Spain, Portugal and from non-European countries – India, Brazil, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Italian Ambassador to Malta told the national broadcaster that the Embassy was investigating this information with the Sicilian authorities.
Last fuel truck leaves Birzebbugia plant
After 120 years of fuel storage and activity, the 31st of March fuel plant will be closing down. On Thursday, the last fuel truck made its exit from the current plant, as now journey and filling up fuel will be made at Ħas-Saptan. This was announced by Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli and Enemed Executive Chairman Kevin Chircop. “With an investment of €70 million, we are moving the fuel storage from the heart of Birżebbuġa to Ħas-Saptan, where this project will officially be launched in the coming months.” The minister explained that with the closure of the 31st of March plant, Birżebbuġa will no longer welcome fuel trucks, where at least 44 trips were being made daily. Approximately, this resulted in 4.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, noise reduction, and less pressure on infrastructure.
Covid-19 Update
222 new coronavirus cases were reported on Thursday, taking the active case tally to 1212. 10 persons recovered overnight. 3,629 swab tests were carried out the day before.
CDE News
