Today’s Editorials remain focused on latest developments related to the spread of COVID19 with specific messages on education, health and the economy.
The Times of Malta delivers quite a hard-hitting assessment of educators’ efforts towards distance learning, arguing that despite significant investment in the previous years, the lack of online material available to Maltese students is significant. 21st century learning requires a blended methodology that merges best practices in virtual real time with traditional classroom learning. Had this been practised and refined over the years in a systematic and sustainable fashion, the Editor argues that today our schools would be much more limber in meeting the challenge of continuing learning in a lockdown context. The teaching profession needs to take up this challenge, and its responsibility, to ensure effective learning in this new context.
The Independent re-assures its readers that Government has been handling the situation well so far, describing the gradual steps being taken as ideal as it allows people to prepare. It also looks at economic measures taken so far, expressing its doubt whether they are enough. While it encourages further support initiatives, Government must not break the bank, the Editor insists.
L-Orizzont also notes that Government is not only handling the situation well but that everything seems to be firmly in control. It welcomed the fact that a worst-case scenario is being considered in preparations, particularly the availability of 600 beds for potential COVID19 patients. The Editor reminds its readers that beds alone will not cure the virus, ending the Editorial with an appreciation to the dedication being shown by healthcare professionals.
In-Nazzjon tackles the significant impact the virus crisis is having on employment as a number of companies find themselves in dire straits. The Editor describes the economic incentives taken so far as largely irrelevant to small businesses and real support must be given to safeguard jobs.
