Authorities are constantly in the news about their actions to contrast the health and economic impact. But the public have a significant role to play to ensure a rapid resolution of the crisis. Today’s Editorials focus on this latter aspect.
The Times of Malta tackles the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis on mental health. The Editor again appeals for calm and reasoned action, convinced that these are needed on both community and individual levels to protect the elderly, chronically sick and other members of society who are prone to suffer the most from this disease. However, the Editor notes that besides the direct health and indirect economic impact, this situation is impacting psychological well-being, particularly through the stress-inducing and anxiety-exacerbating effects of the bombardment of news and information. In this context, the Editor believes that the only way to deal with the virus is by working across our differences, supporting one another, and looking out for the most vulnerable, sick and isolated members of society.
The Independent ties to a certain extent to this argument, focusing on the impact of working from home. This may create additional challenges such as isolation, stressed relations with neighbours and unhealthy eating habits. The Editor notes that this might be challenging even for couples, who would not be used to spending so much time together, with boardgames and films being an important contributor to mental sanity in this regard.
In-Nazzjon says that these are extraordinary times and as such require extraordinary measures. Focusing on the significant economic impact of the crisis, the Editorial highlights PN Leader Adrian Delia’s proposals, including covering in full quarantine leave, covering 50% of affected workers salaries, supporting banks to postpone loan repayments, and a reduction in water and electricity tariffs. With regard to the last proposal, the Opposition’s mouthpiece recalls that the price of oil has gone down to 20 dollars a barrel, therefore justifying this cut.
L-Orizzont re-iterates the appeal which the authorities have been making time and time again and that’s to follow their orders. The Editor asks its readers to simply look at neighbouring Italy to understand the risk of disobeying directives, with the virus spreading beyond control. Our efforts should also reflect a sense of fairness – with many professionals risking their lives or self-isolating to avoid risks, obeying the most basic of orders is the least we can do.
