LOCAL NEWS
Update by Ministry of Health
For the second time in the last three days, only new one case of coronavirus was identified during the past 24 hours. This resulted from over 1,300 tests. With three recoveries, the number active cases has gone down to 128. The total number of cases in Malta, identified through 60,812 swabs has now reached 610.
All decisions taken have a sound scientific basis – PM Abela
Speaking on ONE Television this morning, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that all decisions which have been taken so far are based on scientific evidence, and referred to increased testing being carried out. “Malta is ready to move on, now that the number of positive cases have gone down to 0.6%.”
He insisted that health and the economy are moving hand in hand.
He added that Government is constantly looking at the situation to update the health protocols established for businesses. He said that with the support measures undertaken so far, over 100,000 jobs were saved throughout the pandemic. This has helped to keep the unemployment rate in check, contrary to other countries which have seen the number of unemployed increasing substantially.
340 establishments allowed to open
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has to date certified 340 establishments as compliant with covid-19 safety protocols. MTA Chairman Gavin Gulia released this information on Facebook this morning, describing it as “testimony to the sheer hard work of MTA management and staff who are performing smoothly, serenely and effectively. “
He appealed to the public to enjoy being outdoors after weeks of sacrifices, with full respect and adherence to the safety protocols.
#MALTA-24: LOCAL NEWS
The Sunday Times of Malta
Hairdressers the busiest ‘non-essential’ businesses
Hairdressers’ return to work following the forced two-month COVID-19 closure turned out to be rather busy, while there were mixed feelings among restaurant owners and encouraging signs from lido operators. This was the overall sentiment gauged yesterday by Times of Malta following the reopening of ‘non-essential’ shops and services on Friday, after they had been ordered to close by the health authorities on March 18 due to the pandemic.
According to the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, there were “mixed feelings” among restaurant owners and entertainment establishments after the first day of business. But there were “encouraging signs” among lido operators. Philip Fenech, who heads the chamber’s tourism and leisure section, said operators had kept their feet on the ground: they were not expecting a rush on the first day. However, bookings for the weekend were starting to pick up, he said.
Independent
Putting case numbers into context: only 0.7% of swab tests last week resulted positive
– Marmara
A comparison between the number of swab tests carried out and the number of new cases of Covid-19 shows that over the past week, in spite of an increase in cases, only 0.7% of the swabs taken were positive – a figure much lower than in the earlier stages of the pandemic, statistician Vincent Marmara told The Malta Independent on Sunday.
The number of new positive cases increased again in the last two weeks as measures began to be relaxed, prompting fears of a second wave of the virus.
Printed
Malta Today says that investigations into a group of 20 people who arrived in Malta on boats from Libya last year. The men were suspected of being mercenaries contracted by warlord Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi.
The Sunday Times speaks to homes for the elderly who warned that they are running low on resources and that expenses have soared by some 40 percent since the start of the outbreak. Residents and staff lining in the homes say they feel imprisoned.
The Independent on Sunday says that 14 people have applied for the role of Police Commissioner, sparking clashes between backers of candidates that the paper argues could cause embarrassment to the force.
It-Torċa quotes the General Workers Union which called for businesses to open but cautioned to follow safety guidelines issued by the health authorities. The union said that it kept in touch with members and employers throughout the pandemic to protect workers’ health.
Kullħadd says that the bank moratorium is helping 2,700 families and businesses with their loans and, in the first weeks since it was introduced, €487 million worth in repayments have been postponed.
Il-Mument carries an interview of PN Leader Adrian Delia by independent journalist Brian Hansford. Delia said that the police force deserves a Commissioner with integrity who enjoys the approval of two-thirds of the House.
The Sunday Times says that an internal investigation by the Armed Forces found no evidence of racism within its ranks. The probe was launched following the murder of a migrant last year and the Home Affairs Ministry said that more than 300 officials were interviewed.
Malta Today publishes survey results which show that the Labour Party increased its support by almost three points since last month, polling at just under 52 percent. Support for the Nationalist Party decreased by one point to slightly above 22 percent.
The Independent on Sunday speaks to officials within the Labour Party who say that former Minister Konrad Mizzi gave mixed intentions about whether or not to contest the 2022 general election. The MP himself did not reply to questions.
It-Torċa says that the European Commission reduced its country specific recommendations for Malta to four from six at the start of the year. The paper says that another seven EU states have less recommendations than Malta.
Corporate Dispatch Editorial
A crisis is rarely welcome, but the coronavirus emergency may be just what the doctor ordered at this juncture in history, argues Jesmond Saliba. Communities will find their ways through the new age, as they always have, but business, the media, authorities, and other major stakeholders have a pivotal role in building new norms, standards, and values in the emerging social system.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Spain to reopen borders to tourists in July
Spain will reopen its borders to tourists in July and its top soccer division will kick off again in June, the Prime Minister said on Saturday, marking another phase in the easing of one of the world’s strictest lockdowns.
Pedro Sanchez’s dual announcements coincided with calls for his resignation over the lockdown’s impact on the economy from the far-right Vox party, which called protests in cities across Spain drawing thousands of horn-blaring cars and motorbikes.
“From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks,” Sanchez told a televised news conference, without giving further details.
EU Corner – by Comuniq.EU
Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Netherlands oppose French-German 500 billion euro recovery fund
EU member states Austria, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands stated their opposition on Saturday to a French-German plan for a 500 billion euro coronavirus recovery fund that would issue grants, calling for a loans-based approach instead.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the surprise proposal on Monday to set up a fund that would offer grants to European Union regions and sectors hit hardest by the pandemic.
The idea of grants, however, is anathema to the EU’s self-styled “frugal four”, who generally oppose big spending and fear the proposal will lead to a mutualisation of member states’ debt.
“We propose to create an Emergency Recovery Fund based on a ‘loans for loans’ approach,” the four countries said in a so-called “non-paper” outlining their position to other member states and released by Austria.
The two-page document listed principles they wanted the fund to adhere to, including “not leading to any mutualisation of debt” and that it be of a “temporary, one-off nature with an explicit sunset clause after 2 years”.
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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.
