Morning Briefing

Malta: Equality Minister warns employers against taking advantage of crisis

It-Torċa quotes Justice and Equality Minister Edward Zammit Lewis who said that workers must not be used by employers to negotiate on their terms. The minister said that businesses should…

Read More Here

Malta: Over 12,000 approved planning applications in a year

The Independent on Sunday says that 12,500 planning applications for dwellings were approved in 2019, around 400 less than the previous year. Apartments accounted for 85 percent of approved dwelling…

Read More Here

Malta: Social partners urge government to beef up rescue plan

Illum speaks to trade unions and employers’ associations who said that, unless improved measures are introduced by government, businesses will fail, and jobs will be lost. They say that the…

Read More Here

Malta: PN promises more proposals to support business

Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who urged government to allocate ‘serious and direct’ aid to safeguard the income of workers and their families. Delia said that the party will…

Read More Here

Malta: Government relief plan does not go far enough

Malta Today argues that the Prime Minister must go all in to save the economy even if it means accumulating government debt. The paper says that the rescue package for…

Read More Here

Malta: Covid-19 budget is higher than EU recommended minimum

Kullħadd says that the financial package announced by the government on Wednesday ‘exceeds the expectations’ of the European Council. The paper says that the €1.8 billion budget goes further than…

Read More Here

Malta: PN discusses outbreak with social partners

In-Nazzjon follows a meeting between the Nationalist Party and constituted bodies on Friday to discuss the virus emergency. PN leader Adrian Delia said that the party wants to provide peace…

Read More Here

Malta: First Covid-19 patient with health complications

The Independent leads with updates from the Covid-19 situation in Malta as the number of confirmed cases rose to 64. One of the patients in the group of 11 admitted…

Read More Here

Air pollution falls drastically over one month: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that nitrogen dioxide readings from morning rush hours have fallen by as much as 70 percent over the past month as schools remain closed and more people…

Read More Here

Malta: Economist warns of virus impact on economic performance

L-Orizzont quotes economist Gordon Cordina who described the virus outbreak as a “shock” to economies around the world. He warned that the spread is likely to lead to a global…

Read More Here

Malta: Employers and unions say rescue plan not satisfactory

The Times leads with reactions to the government business relief plan by employers and unions who were unanimous in their views that the proposals are not enough to save companies…

Read More Here

Malta: Opposition lashes out at government aid measures

In-Nazzjon quotes Opposition Leader Adrian Delia who criticized the rescue package laid out by the government. He said that the plan will only release €175 million in aid and not…

Read More Here

Malta: Health authorities warn against false hope

L-Orizzont quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who warned that the fall in cases between Wednesday and Thursday is not a sign of a turning tide. She said that the…

Read More Here

Malta: President appeals for national solidarity

The Independent quotes President George Vella who urged people to remind those who are in isolation that they are not forgotten. Vella assured the public that the health authorities are…

Read More Here

Malta: Government unveils €1.8 billion package for businesses

Business Today leads with the launch of a €1.8 billion rescue package for businesses. Government will pay €350 per employee on quarantine while companies that are requested to shut down…

Read More Here

Malta: Special Covid-19 rescue budget launched

The Times reports on the government Covid-19 mini budget for business which will provide €700 million in tax deferrals, €900 million in loan guarantees and a direct boost of €210…

Read More Here

Malta: Confirmed Covid-19 cases now 48

The Independent reports that Covid-19 cases in Malta rose to 48 by Wednesday and the disease has now infected two elderly persons for the first time. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine…

Read More Here

Malta: PN presents proposals to aid affected businesses

In-Nazzjon publishes a series of proposals by the Nationalist Party to help businesses and sustain people’s livelihoods. The proposals include a 50 percent reduction of utility bills and a temporary…

Read More Here

Malta: GWU appeals for employee equality

L-Orizzont Another report quotes a General Workers Union statement urging government to focus on priorities and not convenient decisions. The union said that all workers including third-country nationals must be…

Read More Here

Malta: Coronavirus claims 8,000 lives globally: The Headlines

The Malta Business Weekly says that the global confirmed cases of coronavirus have reached 200,000, with virus-linked deaths exceeding 8,000. China reported 81,000 cases, the highest registered anywhere, followed by…

Read More Here

Malta: Coronavirus count rises to 38

The Independent reports that a three-year-old is among the latest patients to have been infected by the coronavirus. In her briefing on Tuesday, Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci said that…

Read More Here

Malta: Economic recovery could take a year

The Times says that government-appointed economic experts warn that the Covid-19 pandemic could cause the economy to shrink by half and that it could take a year for the economy…

Read More Here

Malta: Four new cases of local transmission

Malta Today says that Malta registered another four cases of local Covid-19 transmission between Monday and Tuesday. One of the latest patients contracted the virus at Mater Dei hospital while…

Read More Here

Malta: Three-year-old Covid-19 patient doing well

L-Orizzont quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who said that the boy who tested positive for the virus first showed symptoms on Sunday but is in good health. The paper…

Read More Here

Malta: Dead man found wrapped in plastic in Santa Luċija

In-Nazzjon identifies a person found dead and covered in garbage bags in Santa Luċija as the 63-year-old man who lived in the apartment with another man. The second resident has…

Read More Here

Malta: First cases of local transmission

Keep up with the major coronavirus news and announcements with the Covid-19.Bulettin by CDEnews. Constantly updated.

Read More Here

Malta: New directives order closure of social commercial venues

The Times leads with the government announcement that bars, restaurants, gyms and cinemas will remain closed from midnight to combat the virus contagion. The Prime Minister said that a plan…

Read More Here

Malta: Harsher fines for skipping quarantine imposed

L-Orizzont announces a new legal notice which increases fines for violating quarantine to €3,000 daily. The paper says that over 375 spot check for mandatory quarantine were conducted by Monday…

Read More Here

Malta: Coronavirus on parliament agenda for the first time

In-Nazzjon says that parliament will discuss the coronavirus outbreak today after the government accepted a request by the opposition. The paper says that Opposition Leader Adrian Delia has been pushing…

Read More Here

Malta: Small businesses struggling to keep operations going

The Times leads with results from a Chamber of SMESs survey which showed that a fifth of members experienced difficulties in paying wages amid the coronavirus outbreak. Over a third…

Read More Here

Malta: Health system preparations in full swing

The Independent reveals preparations in the healthcare system in case of a surge in Covid-19 cases. The emergency department at Mater Dei hospital is operating as usual but part of…

Read More Here

Malta: Pharmacists want immediate lockdown

In-Nazzjon carries a statement by the Chamber of Pharmacists demanding an immediate lockdown. The President of the Chamber of SMEs, meanwhile, criticised the measures announced by the government for business.…

Read More Here

Malta: Robert Abela appeals for cooperation and responsibility

L-Orizzont follows a radio interview with Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that the current situation is “calm and under control”. Abela said that he expects cooperation and responsibility while…

Read More Here

Financial stimulus for businesses amid outbreak

The Independent on Sunday leads with a government decision to introduce tax incentives for a range of sectors in March and April to help businesses and the self-employed dampen the…

Read More Here

Government to issue special recovery budget: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times quotes Finance Minister Edward Scicluna who said that the government is preparing a ‘mini-budget’ to chart a recovery plan as the country deals with the Covid-19 emergency.…

Read More Here

Covid-19 cases in Malta climb to 18: The Headlines – Kullħadd

Kullħadd reports that the confirmed Covid-19 cases rose to 18 by Saturday. The paper says that Valletta was unusually silent as many people choose to avoid crowded areas to protect…

Read More Here

Prime Minister rules out immediate lockdown: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today covers a press conference on Saturday in which Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the government is not considering an immediate lockdown to contain the spread. He said…

Read More Here

Opposition Leader calls for general self-isolation: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument quotes Opposition Leader Adrian Delia who said that a lockdown is necessary to protect against the virus. Delia said social partners are calling for an immediate lockdown, too, and…

Read More Here

Employees in quarantine are entitled to special leave pay: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa says that a legal advice published on Saturday give employees who are required to go into quarantine the right for special leave pay. The General Workers Union supported the…

Read More Here

Coronavirus is a major worry for Maltese: The Headlines – Illum

Illum publishes results of a survey showing that the coronavirus spread currently tops the list of concerns among people in Malta and discusses the wide-ranging effects of the disease besides…

Read More Here

Covid-19 patient in Malta recovers: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who confirmed that one of the earlier patients who tested positive for the coronavirus has recovered and is expected to be discharged from…

Read More Here

Incoming passengers to go straight into quarantine: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent leads with new anti-transmission measures announced by the government. Passengers entering Malta will be required to go immediately into a 14-day mandatory quarantine with fines of €1,000 each…

Read More Here

Police on the beat to enforce mandatory quarantine: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that police officers are conducting patrols to monitor people in mandatory quarantine. The Prime Minister said that spot checks are being carried out with hefty penalties for violations.…

Read More Here

PN calls for state aid to businesses: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who urged government to allocate direct aid to companies to protect their business and their employees’ jobs. Delia said the party is proposing constructive…

Read More Here

Schools closed for a week: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reports the close-down of educational institutions from childcare centres to schools to university. The Prime Minister announced the latest raft of anti-transmission measures and said that decisions will…

Read More Here

MEA warns against premature layoffs: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes Malta Employers Association director General who said that companies in the travel industry are prepared to lay off employees. Farrugia is urging government to offer the support…

Read More Here

Catering and accommodation businesses call for help: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the Hotels and Restaurants Association and the Catering Establishments Association are concerned about the effects of the virus spread to their members’ businesses. They appealed to government…

Read More Here

Opposition request for debate in parliament refused: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that Opposition Leader Adrian Delia requested the House Speaker to suspend the planned agenda and discuss the coronavirus developments instead. The Speaker turned down the request after the…

Read More Here

Government considering aid to businesses: The Headlines – Business Today

Business Today speaks to Finance Minister Edward Scicluna who said that the government is considering aid for businesses affected by the coronavirus. The ministry is holding talks with stakeholders to…

Read More Here

Maltese in Covid-19 hotspots to be repatriated: The Headlines – The Malta Business Weekly

The Malta Business Weekly reports that the government is making plans to repatriate Maltese residents in France, Spain, Germany and Switzerland where the rate of coronavirus transmission has risen exponentially…

Read More Here

First Maltese person tests positive for Covid-19: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the first case of a Maltese person who tested positive Covid-19 was registered on Wednesday. The 55-year-old man is a consultant at Mater Dei hospital who has…

Read More Here

Travel ban now on five European countries: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that the government has imposed a ban on travel to and from Spain, Germany, Switzerland and France in addition to Italy. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday…

Read More Here

Harsh quarantine fines imposed for lapses: The Headlines – The Times

The Times carries an announcement by Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that self-quarantine is now mandatory for anyone returning from five hard-hit countries. The police will enforce fines of…

Read More Here

Coronavirus cases climb to seven: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports on the seventh case of Covid-19 in Malta after two more people tested positive on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation declared coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The paper…

Read More Here

Malta registers fifth Covid-19 case: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports on the fifth case of coronavirus after the teenage daughter of a man who has the virus also tested positive on Monday afternoon. The patients, along with…

Read More Here

Ivan Bartolo and David Thake elected to parliament: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reports that Ivan Bartolo and David Thake have been elected on the 9th and 12th Districts respectively in a casual election to replace the parliamentary seats vacated by…

Read More Here

Chamber of Commerce urges business integrity: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the Chamber of Commerce is appealing for the business community to apply ethical pricing methods to basic needs amid the coronavirus situation. The Chamber said that this…

Read More Here