Following the news of the fifth patient testing positive to coronavirus, four of five Editorials in print today share their views on the latest developments and appeal for collective responsibility.
Today’s Times of Malta Editorial calls on Government to avoid sending mixed messages about the situation and go out of its way to inform and educate how to keep the virus at bay. The Editor calls on prioritizing the virus’ containment, even if it comes at a short to medium-term economic cost. Responsibility to keep the virus at bay must be shared by government, business leaders, trade unions, workers and the media.
The Independent in a harshly worded editorial jibes that stupidity is another kind of virus, referring to a number of bizarre social media claims, including the theory that coronavirus is some kind of biological weapon that is being employed to destroy Malta. The Editor insists that the best thing one can to is to follow instructions given by the health authorities, stay safe and stop adding to the panic via fake information.
Maltatoday argues that tough times are ahead, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread at an alarming rate which the WHO described as a global emergency. The Editor looks into the potential economic impact of the epidemic, with global growth already estimated to be lower than last year’s levels.
In-Nazzjon joins the calls for the general public to follow recommendations issued by the health authorities, repeating the old adage that prevention is better than cure. In particular, the Editor makes a plea for additional respect towards those responsible for our heath, particularly doctors and nurses.
L-Orizzont’s Editor steers away from the virus choosing to focus on the improvement in our quality of life. It welcomes Government’s efforts in this direction particularly through the creation of more open spaces, the closure of the heavy fuel oil power station and the investment being carried out in outdoor gyms and a number of new playing fields.
