Today’s Editors consider different aspects of the impact of the novel coronavirus on different segments of society.
The Times of Malta looks at what it describes as the other vulnerabilities, highlighting the repercussions of social distancing on groups at risk. The Editor notes that isolation is leading domestic violence victims to spend more time sharing limited space with their abusers, people engaged in substance abuse are no longer receiving regular face-to-face follow-ups and support, more of those on the brink of destitution could slip through the social welfare net and food bank initiatives need to think on their feet to find new ways of delivering supplies. The Editor calls on social care professionals to be given urgent training to deliver the support through non-conventional methods, but authorities must also think on how to introduce longer-term changes to increase preparedness for such situations.
The Independent focuses on the now-habitual daily pressers by Prof Charmaine Gauci, with journalists and the public at home awaiting the daily numbers. The editor recalls an important message by the Health czar, that neither small numbers should mean a cause to rejoice nor significant increases should lead us to alarm. What strikes the editor most is the length of time being taken for people to recover, with only two patients having been given the all-clear so far. Our task remains rather simple in consideration of the big battle being fought: to obey instructions and reduce contact with others – only in this manner will this crisis whittle out sooner.
The Business Weekly describes the current administration’s approach as a wobbly hand on the steering referring to the slow-taking of decisions at the onset of the crisis as well as the u-turn on lockdown last week, after pressure from employers. Even in terms of economic remedies, Government has come up with three different packages, and those who have tried seeking support, have so far only found busy phone lines.
The Business Today delves into the discussion of what is best for Europe, the (in)famous coronabond or debt mutualisation. The latter would mean Malta f becomes jointly and severally liable to debts of another country. The Editor seems to share a preference for a substantive Eurobond which would go far in helping member states afflicted by austerity. As the nine member states said, a coronabond would strengthen the EU and the Economic and Monetary Union and provide the strongest message to European citizens about European determined cooperation and resolve to provide an effective and united response.
L-Orizzont also calls for the public to assume great responsibility. The Editor expresses his disappointment that despite repeated calls by the authorities, people still congregate and get on with their lives, acting in a careless manner in front of such a worrying situation.
In-Nazzjon dedicates its Editorial to Gozo where a number of unrelated episodes took place over the past few weeks putting doubts on the rule of law on Gozo. These includes the violent sexual assualt of a girl during Carnival celebrations, the Nadur property claim saga, the incident at the Xagħra cemetry as well as the identification of a weapon in a personal office. This is also a reflection of lack of trust in the institutions but are still unacceptable in modern society.
