Today’s Editors express their consternation at the recent surge in racist comments shared by Maltese social media users following the spreading of the virus among immigrants.
The Times focuses on the spread of the virus in the Ħal Far open centre, something which was bound to happen given the situation that refugees lived in, including crammed substandard containers.The Editor expressed his hope that health authorities do not discriminate between those who receive care and support and that equal care is given to the Ħal Far residents as well as the AWAS staff. The Editor also expresses his consternation to the many social media comments whereby many expressed their believe that refugees should be dealt with like garbage. The editor insisted that in this worldwide tragedy, no one should be made a scapegoat for this situation.
The Independent takes a look at the racist developments which have characterised the past few days following news related to positivity to coronavirus amongst immigrants. While appreciating that people might frustrated at the imposed restrictions, the racism being displayed is completely unacceptable. The virus will pass, but some things said might not be able to be forgiven.
L-Orizzont joins in with a similar argument insisting that Covid-19 is serving as another reason to fuel racism, which is a significant problem in our country. The Editor expresses hope that immigrants who were paid – not much – to support Malta’s economy, will continue to receive some form of payment now that they have been isolated in forced quarantine.
In-Nazzjon looks at the different challenges facing Maltese family, not solely the current pandemic but other realities such as climate change and low pensions. The Editorial commends the efforts undertaken by the Nationalist Party to reflect these changes in society, insisting that present challenges can be addressed by placing the individual at the centre of politics.
