LOCAL NEWS
Press Conference by Health Superintendent Prof. Charmaine Gauci (29th April, 1230)
In today’s daily briefing, Prof Gauci said that with more than 1,000 tests carried out yesterday, 5 new cases were identified. Just under 100 tests were carried out at Hal Far, with no new positive cases.
On the positive side, 36 persons have recovered, taking the total recoveries to 339. The number of remaining cases has gone down to 120.
With regard to a contact tracing app, Prof Gauci said that the authorities were in discussions with EU and other health authorities, and following the evidence and guidelines being developed on a European stage.
Questioned about services such as hairdressing and beauty services being provided from homes, Prof Charmaine Gauci said that despite the legal notice not prohibiting this, such activities are putting at risk the provider of the service and clients.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Timesofmalta.com
‘I’m aware that people are suffering’ – Charmaine Gauci
Speaking on Times of Malta podcast #TimesTalk she said: “It’s very unfortunate to see that a number of people are not working, that you go out in the streets and shops are closed.”
These restrictions, she said, were part of the reason Malta had avoided the higher coronavirus death rates many other countries had reported.
“Whatever we do, we want a population that is healthy, because if we have a sick population the wealth of the country will suffer as well.”
In the interview, Gauci touches on planning for Malta’s COVID-19 exit strategy, speaks candidly about the most challenging time she faced during the past two months and what she missed most about pre-pandemic life.
Maltatoday
Doctors launch Malta’s first free medical consultation online platform
A group of doctors, following an initiative by family doctor Dr Christopher Deguara, has teamed up with Cyberspace founder and CEO Tony Cassar to launch www.doctor.mt, a temporary free online platform that gives correct and updated medical information and receive direct and free medical advice on their mobile phone.
“Doctor.mt will help ensure that people stay indoors as much as possible thereby reducing the load on our health services which at present are struggling to keep up with the increased demand. This initiative also reduces the risk of contagion and being free of charge, lessens the financial burden of our families during the present crisis,” said Dr Chris Deguara, who is also a local councillor for Naxxar.
Independent
Government expected to relax public gathering measure
The first Covid-19 measures expected to be relaxed are ones related to public gatherings, and medical operations, Cabinet sources told The Malta Independent.
Cabinet met yesterday and during the meeting, this newsroom is informed, Cabinet took a decision that will be announced in the coming days regarding the first measures to be relaxed.
The measure relating to people not meeting in groups of three is expected to be changed, raising the number of people allowed to be in a group to five. In addition, certain medical operations that stopped taking place at hospital are expected to again resume.
Printed
The Independent says that, according to a study by the Employers Association, 38 percent of companies find the government schemes in the government’s rescue package “extremely ineffective”.
The Times quotes a study by the Employers Association which indicates that nine percent of companies were forced to reduce their staff because of the Covid-19 emergency. However, a third said they might have to make redundancies if the current situation extends beyond May.
L-Orizzont quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who said that, while the number of cases in Malta is lower than international trends, the country does not afford to lose control of the situation and relax measures.
The Independent publishes guidelines for a safe return to work by the EU occupational health and safety agency. Among the recommendations, employees with symptoms of sickness are urged to stay home.
L-Orizzont publishes an interview with Hassan Akkad from Syria who is volunteering his time to work as a hospital cleaner during the pandemic. Akkad said that immigrants are contributing to the county without expecting any recognition.
Editorials
The Times of Malta‘s Editorial focuses on the changes brought about by isolation, including a re-evaluation of the logic that led us to a place where individuals, families and communities are radically disconnected from one another’s authentic needs and aspirations. The Editor calls on society to harness whatever opportunities arise, in the aftermath of the economic, social and political transformations that will undoubtedly follow the coronavirus in Malta.
Maltatoday argues that it is too early to say if people who have recovered from COVID- 19 have developed protective immunity. The Editor argues that it would be unwise to return to business as usual when the lockdown ends. The paper calls for fast and accessible testing for virus surveillance, and a sensible strategy to contain small outbreaks without compromising vital services.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Covid-19 vaccine from University of Queensland shows promising results
Early tests of a potential COVID-19 vaccine have shown promising results against the deadly virus, Queensland researchers say.
In preclinical tests, the University of Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine has shown it can raise high levels of antibodies that can neutralise the virus.
The university’s project co-leader Professor Paul Young said the results were an excellent indication the vaccine worked as expected.
“This is what we were hoping for, and it’s a great relief for the team given the tremendous faith placed in our technology by CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation), federal and Queensland governments and our philanthropic partners,” Prof Young said in a statement on Wednesday.
EU Corner
EU Commission adopts banking package to facilitate lending to households and businesses in the EU
The Commission has today adopted a banking package to help facilitate bank lending to households and businesses throughout the European Union. The aim of this package is to ensure that banks can continue to lend money to support the economy and help mitigate the significant economic impact of the Coronavirus. It includes an Interpretative Communication on the EU’s accounting and prudential frameworks, as well as targeted “quick fix” amendments to EU banking rules.
The rules put in place following the financial crisis have ensured that banks in the EU are now more resilient and better prepared to deal with shocks to the economy. Today’s Communication recalls that EU rules allow banks and their supervisors to act in a flexible, but responsible, manner during economic crises to support citizens and firms, particularly small and medium-sized companies. Today’s Regulation also implements some targeted changes to maximise the capacity of credit institutions to lend and to absorb losses related to the Coronavirus pandemic, while still ensuring their continued resilience.
More News:
For a Fact-Checked Aggregated Service of CoVid-19 related information, please visit: https://corporatedispatch.com/category/coronavirus/
Additional info
Helplines
111 – For those who feel symptoms of COVID-19 or who wish further information
21411 411 – For those in mandatory quarantine who require provisions of food and medicine
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This daily update bulletin is being compiled for the Chamber of Advocates by CI Consulta from Corporate ID Group. CI Consulta delivers policy research and analysis, evaluations and impact assessments up to policy implementation and integration.
