Latest Update- News Portal Briefing
Times of Malta reports that traffic accidents increased by almost 60 per cent in the second quarter of 2021, new data has shown, potentially reflecting the impact of the pandemic on transport.
MaltaToday reports that Enemalta has apologised for the power cuts that affected several localities, the cause of which were faults in the distribution system.
Newsbook reports that a 21-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being stabbed in the early hours of Friday morning.
TVM reports that the Grand Harbour will be regenerated through a nine-zone plan. The government’s vision for the harbour was announced by Infrastructure and Capital Projects Minister, Ian Borg, who said that the plan was drafted through a study with the assistance of local and foreign experts.
Updated 1236: Mid-Day Briefing
Covid-19 Update: 48 new cases of Covid-19 were reported on Friday, the lowest this week, while 120 recovered. 3,508 swab tests were carried out yesterday. Active cases continue to decrease, standing at 1,206. Of these, 36 are receiving treatment in hospital, four of them in ITU. The average age of yesterday’s cases stands at 38.
Limitation of one person per four square metres in events scrapped: Event organisers will no longer need to enforce a capping of one person per four square metres, a restriction that has long been lamented by the music and entertainment businesses and organisations. Although this decision was not included in the list announced by Health Minister Chris Fearne yesterday, The Times of Malta noted that it had been dropped from the Mandatory Standards and Guidance Documents published on the government’s COVID-19 website. The portal reports that members of the entertainment industry have called the decision a game changer.
Anglu Farrugia cancels symposium as former speakers reject invite: Speaker Anglu Farrugia has announced that a symposium celebrating 100 years from the setting up of the Maltese Parliament would be cancelled after receiving the rejection of four former speakers. Alfred Bonnici, Lawrence Gonzi, Anton Tabone and Louis Galea all refused to take part, aruging in a letter that, “in the current circumstances… we do not feel it is opportune that Parliament dedicates its time for a ceremony like this when the country is facing more pressing and urgent matters”. Farrugia said he was disappointed by this decision, and a lost opportunity to work towards ‘much-needed union’.
Updated 0845- Newspaper Review
The Independent says that the quarantine period for fully vaccinated people who come into contact with Covid-19 patients will decrease to seven days. Announcing the change, Health Minister Chris Fearne said that 95 per cent of new cases are linked to the Delta variant.
L-Orizzont follows a press conference on Thursday where the health minister announced further easing of restrictions. Events for vaccinated persons can allow a maximum of 300 participants from Monday 16th, rising to 500 from the end of August.
The Times says that a Covid-19 vaccine booster programme for people in nursing homes and vulnerable persons is expected to be rolled out in mid-September. Meanwhile, health authorities are urging pregnant women to take the vaccine.
In-Nazzjon quotes a statement by the PN calling for compensation for those affected by long periods of power cuts in the last few days. Energy spokesperson Ryan Callus criticised the government’s energy strategy.
The Times reports that homes in Marsascala were left without electricity for 15 hours on Wednesday night after a power outage. Residents complained about damage to appliances and spoilt food as temperatures soared to above-average levels.
L-Orizzont reports on a demonstration outside the courts on Thursday, objecting to a sentence handed down to two Turkish women last week. Joining the action, Former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca raised questions about children’s wellbeing.
In-Nazzjon says that PN Leader Bernard Grech has appointed Emma Portelli Bonnici to lead a consultation process about the recommendations of the Caruana Galizia public inquiry. The team will meet stakeholders and draft proposals for action.
The Independent reports that the Archdiocese of Malta saw its income drop by over €3 million in 2020 from the year before. The Administrative Secretary of the Curia, Michael Pace Ross, attributed the decrease to the closure of churches during the pandemic.
In-Nazzjon says that the Nationalist Party is preparing proposals to support agricultural workers at risk of losing their arable lands. The party launched a consultation exercise with farmers an
Morning Briefing
Microinvest Scheme extended
Over 7,000 businesses are expected to benefit from the extension of the popular MicroInvest scheme, administered by Malta Enterprise, which encourages the setting up of new establishments as well as the expansion and development of existing businesses.
Addressing a press conference, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli announced that the extension of the validity of certificates was aimed at providing businesses with more time during which they can benefit from the tax credit certificates. In view of the pandemic, those certificates which were about to expire in the year 2023, can now be extended to 2026.
Meanwhile a new MicroInvest scheme, ‘MicroInvest 2021’, was also unveiled during the same press conference. Two main additions to MicroInvest 2021 are the inclusion of certification expenses as eligible costs and a further push to promote buying of hybrid and electric vehicles for commercial use.
Shorter quarantine for vaccinated persons
As of August 16, organised events will allow a cluster of 300 seated people as long as they are fully vaccinated. Events still need to abide by social distancing regulations. This number will increase to 500 people per cluster as of August 30.
Those vaccinated who came in contact with a positive case will only need to quarantine for 7 days from August 16. Speaking at a press conference, Health Minister Chris Fearne encouraged pregnant women and their partners to get vaccinated against Covid-19, saying that there is scientific consensus that the benefits of getting vaccinated when pregnant far outweigh the risks.
From the same date, all those who are fully vaccinated need to spend seven days in quarantine instead of 14,
The Minister also said that from mid-September, those immunocompromised, immunosuppressed and elderly in care centres will receive booster shots against Covid-19. “It does not look like we need to give booster shots to the general population so far but we are looking at more information as it comes out,” he said.
Fearne also announced that an elderly person passed away after being Covid positive. A total of 35 people are now receiving treatment in hospital, four of whom are in intensive care.”It is clear that those who are suffering the most are not vaccinated,” Fearne said, pointing out that 95 per cent of all cases in Malta are caused by the Delta variant.
PN promises compensation to power cut victims
The Nationalist Party has proposed that government compensates people affected by power cuts. MP Ryan Callus said that in 2013, the Labour Party’s battle cry was that it will regenerate the energy sector; but eight years later our country is in darkness and heat. Mr Callus said that Malta is continuing to experience power cuts in a number of localities which were lasting for more than 12 hours. Among the hardest hit, Marsascala went some 15 hours without electricity supply between Wednesday and Thursday, leaving residents suffering from the effects of the current heatwave.
CDE News
