Latest Update- News Portal Briefing
Times of Malta reports that Two people have been arrested following the seizure of 248,800 contraband cigarettes by Customs on Thursday.
MaltaToday reports that UĦM Voice of the Workers has called on the government to ensure that the COVID-19 remote working directive, which has been re-introduced, will be implemented fairly this time around.
Newsbook reports that Magistrate Nadine Lia recused herself from hearing the case of the compilation of evidence against the Agius brother known as Ta’ Maksar and George De Giorgio. The later accused in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
TVM reports a two men, 30-year-old Joseph Galea and 31-year-old Emanuel Degabriele from Siġġiewi, have been remanded in custody after being arraigned in court and charged with a number of thefts from construction sites.
Update 1215 – Full-time employment increases 4.1%
In October 2020, registered full-time employment increased by 4.1 per cent while part-time employment as a primary job decreased by 9.7 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2019.
Administrative data provided by Jobsplus show that, over a period of one year, the labour supply (excluding part-timers) in October 2020 increased by 4.7 per cent, reaching 235,256. This was mainly attributed to a year-on-year increase in the full-time registered employment (9,064 ) and an increase in registered unemployment (1,448 ).
Agreement between the Government and MUMN regarding foreign public sector employees
An agreement between the Government and MUMN on a number of issues affecting nurses and other health professionals hailing from countries outside the European Union, and who are employed in the public sector, has been announced.
At the end of two meetings held between Government representatives led by Principal Permanent Secretary Mr Mario Cutajar, and the MUMN led by Mr Paul Pace, and in consultation with Identity Malta Agency, an agreement was reached through which, with immediate effect, the Agency starts employing these procedures to substitute the procedures in force till now. An agreement was reached primarily so that Identity Malta Agency starts issuing a residency permit valid for three years, instead of year-by-year, to nurses and other professionals in the health sector employed in the public sector on an indefinite contract.
Government promised to process applications within two weeks and to extend conditions offered to nurses to their family members.
Newspaper Review
L-Orizzont follows a press conference by the Prime Minister, Health Minister, and Public Health Superintendent announcing new Covid-19 measures including a raise in fines and limits on gatherings at private homes.
The Independent leads with the closing down of restaurants, kiosks, and snack bars until 11 April in an effort to bring the recent surge of Covid-19 infections under control. Restaurants at hotels can only serve guests in accommodation.
The Times says that Malta now has the fourth highest rate of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the EU. Announcing new restrictions, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the government is extending the wage supplement scheme to June.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who called for an independent investigation into the national vaccination programme to ensure transparency. He said people need the peace of mind that those getting the jab are entitled to it.
The Independent says that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Xagħra local council have raised concerns about a development proposed across the Ġgantija temples. Plans for a new apartment block have received hundreds of objections.
The Times says that Malta could reach herd immunity by October if vaccination continues at the current rate. For the country to reach the 70 percent immunisation target by the end of summer, vaccination would need to ramp up to more than 2,500 jabs daily.
In-Nazzjon says that Prime Minister Robert Abela admitted that he could have taken ‘better decisions’ to reduce the spread of the virus. The paper covers a press conference imposing tougher social distancing measures.
L-Orizzont reports on a new trend around the world treating elderly couples infected with Covid-19 together, rather than keeping them separate. Health professionals believe that this method could boost the effectiveness of the treatment for both.
Morning Briefing
New Covid-19 Restrictions from today
Almost one year after the identification of the first case of coronavirus in Malta, the country finds itself today with increased restrictions after the number of patients positive to Covid-19 shot up in the past few days. The major change affects the closure of restaurants and kiosks, while all contact sports between those under 16 have been halted. Other meaures include:
- Fines for breaking regulations will double to €6,000
- Nightclubs, bars and kazini will remain closed
- Weddings and religious activities can continue, but mass events have been cancelled
- One cannot invite more than 4 households to their house, €1,000 fine for everyone who is found to be breaking this restriction
- Places of accomodation cannot have more people than bed space
- Enforcement will be strengthened.
- Telework in government wherever possible will be placed, with the Prime Minister strongly recommending people to work from home.
In a press conference yesterday, a visibly-emotional Abela also announced that the government will be extending the wage supplement until next June. Restaurants will also be given aid to move their services online. Restaurants and snack bars will receive the full wage supplement, Abela added, saying businesses have already been given €360 million.
“I am asking for another effort,” Abela said. The measures will remain in place until 11th April, one week after Easter.
Health Minister Chris Fearne added that the UK variant is contributing to a greater spread of Covid-19.
Reactions
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said in a reaction that the new measures showed that Government had been taken people for a ride, arguing that Robert Abela was prioritising PR before the health interests of the nation. He also asked for an investigation in the roll-out of the vaccine programme, after refering to allegations that a number of people had received the jab despite not being entitled to it.
A number of organisations also reacted to the new restrictions with the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) saying that the government in its PR exercise has made a sacrificial lamb out of restaurants”. The Assocation said that small businesses were bullied while the real problem was avoided. “It was easy for them to attack the small entrepreneurs rather than address the bullies… Catering establishments, bars and clubs have been the continuous target of the health authorities showing that the ministry is very weak in handling the situation and has no real adequate strategy,” ACE said.
The restaurant lobby had harsh words towards government for failing to give restaurant owners time to sort out stock issues and asked if it was planning to provide refunds for stocks which will go to waste.
The MHRA was slightly more soft-toned in its reaction suggesting that government must “pull up its socks” and focus efforts on enforcement, enhanced economic support to tourism operators – who now could not afford to carry such pressures further, more efficient and target-oriented roll out of the vaccine, and better communication with stakeholders.
The UĦM Voice of the Workers described the new measures as “weak, belated and reactive”.
Covid-19 update
In another record, the Health Department reported 362 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday. 230 people recovered from the virus. The number of active cases has reached 3,128. 4,146 swab tests were carried out in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 has reached 325. During the last 24 hours, 4 patients died while Covid-19 positive.
CDE News
