Mid-Day Briefing
Covid-19 Update: There were 35 new cases registered in the past 24 hours. Malta registered 40 recoveries as active cases stood at 681. 3,440 swab tests were taken. Health Minister Chris Fearne said there are currently 37 people recovering from COVID-19 at Mater Dei Hospital with two receiving care in the ITU. A 65-year-old man died while positive to COVID-19.
Keith Schembri indicated knowledge of FIAU report on questioning: Sources have told Times of Malta that former chief of staff Keith Schembri knew about the contents of a confidential report by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit. Schembri told investigators during an interrogation about offshore company 17 Black to speak to their colleagues, in a bid to back his assertion that no transactions had taken place. The sources with knowledge
of Schembri’s interrogation said that he had also suggested investigators check on the progress of a behind-closed-doors magisterial inquiry into 17 Black. Schembri’s statement to police investigators raises questions about his apparent inside knowledge of the report’s contents and the probe into 17 Black.
Updated 1040 – Standing events to be allowed from Sept 6
Up to a hundred fully vaccinated people will be allowed to attend standing events like concerts and festivals from September 6, Health Minister Chris Fearne has announced. In a press briefing in Kalkara today, Fearne said that decision had been made after discussions with the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts association. Further details will be given in the coming days.
Fearne said more details and guidelines will be announced in the coming days. It will be the first time standing events will be allowed since March 2020.
“The government is continuing to ease restrictive measures,” he said during the news conference announcing a new community health centre in Kalkara.
Updated 0845 – Newspaper Review
The Independent leads with a proposals document by the Malta Employers’ Association urging the government to address structural flaws in the economic system in the upcoming Budget rather than promising small-scale local projects.
The Times quotes the director-general of the employers’ association, Joseph Farrugia warning about new jobs in the public sector ahead of the upcoming election. Farrugia said this impacts the private sector negatively.
L-Orizzont reports the death of 81-year-old Lonza Busuttil when a fire broke out in her Tarxien home on Monday morning. Neighbours mourned the tragic incident and said that the elderly lady was active in the community.
In-Nazzjon says that a house blaze that developed in a Tarxien residence on Monday was caused by a short circuit in the electrical system. Two of the residents were not at home when the fire broke out, but their 81-year-old mother died from exposure to smoke.
The Times says that Keith Schembri admitted that he had knowledge of the contents of a confidential FIAU report. The former chief of staff referred to the report to back up his claims during a police interrogation.
In-Nazzjon says that the retail price index rose from 1.47 in July 2020 to 1.81 in July this year. Figures by the National Statistics office show an increase in food products, house expenses, clothing, and personal care products.
The Independent quotes a post by minister Edward Zammit Lewis in reaction to a report suggesting he sought jobs for his supporters with Tumas Group. The minister did not deny the claims but says he has always acted with integrity.
L-Orizzont says that former Labour minister Joe Brincat filed a judicial protest to raise objections against the outcomes of the Caruana Galizia public inquiry, arguing that the process breached rule of law.
Morning Briefing
Yorgen Fenech wants access to Keith Schembri mobile data
Murder mastermind suspect Yorgen Fenech’s lawyers are claiming that police have gained access to data from Keith Schembri’s mobile phone, and that it contains “essential” evidence supporting the businessman’s claims. These claims were filed as part of an application filed by Fenech in constitutional proceedings seeking to have lead investigator superintendent Keith Arnaud kicked off the probe into the murder. Fenech insisted that “the case deals with persons who were part of the highest administration of the country. It was proven that these persons tampered with evidence, worked to destroy evidence and are still working to evade justice”.
CBM notes improving sentiment in industry and services, but retail lags behind
Business Sentiment was positive in industry and services as well as among consumers, an Economic Update by the Central Bank of Malta shows. However, it turned negative in the construction and retail trade sectors. In July, the Bank’s Business Conditions Index decreased marginally compared with June, but increased on an annual basis as the economy continued to recover from the very low levels observed in 2020. European Commission surveys show that sentiment decreased slightly compared to June, while remaining above its year ago level and its long-term average.
Covid-19 Update: 57 new cases of Covid-19 were reported on Monday, while 37 recovered, taking the active case tally to 687. 2,656 swab tests were carried out on Sunday.
