LOCAL NEWS
Update by Ministry of Health
The number of active cases in Malta has gone down to 57 after 17 persons recovered in the past 24 hours. Only one new case was identified during the same timeframe, from over 1,070 tests.
The total number of cases has now reached 620, with 554 recovering. Nine persons have lost their lives from Covid-19.
Press Conference by Prime Minister Robert Abela, DPM Chris Fearne and Health Superintendent Prof Charmaine Gauci
Malta will be making a significant step towards normality this Friday, 5th June, after the Prime Minister, Robert Abela, confirmed yesterday evening that most restrictions imposed at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, will be lifted. This include the ban on gatherings of more than six people, while the remaining outlets such as bars and gyms, will be allowed to re-open. Summer schools and childcare centres will also be opening their doors, with restricted numbers applying.
The Prime Minister also confirmed the re-opening of Malta’s International Airport as from 1st July. The list of countries open for travel will be as follows: Germany, Switzerand, Luxembourg, Austria, Cyprus, Iceland, Lithuania, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Israel, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Estonia, Finland. Latvia as well as the two Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
While mass gatherings will still be prohibited, very few exceptions will remain, such as sports involving contact between athletes. Health Superintendent Prof Charmaine Gauci said testing will be strengthened as the remaining restrictive will be removed, while guidelines will provided to support the transition to the new normality, based on the principles of social distancing, hygiene and carrying of protective face wear.
Prof Gauci said that protocols for the re-opening of outlets will still apply.
Chamber of Commerce welcomes easing of restrictions but asks for further details
In a statement published after yesterday’s press briefing, the Chamber of Commerce said that “this is an important step in the right direction for the country to continue to achieve normality and the economy to function once again.”
The Malta Chamber however complained at the he lack of detail in the Prime Minister’s press conference. Businesses and investors need clarity which is only derived from guidance and operational principles in order to operate properly, it said.
During yesterday’s press conference, the speakers confirmed that a number of protocols remained in place, without however highlighting which will be removed. “It is important for the necessary information to be issued without delay, in order for businesses to be in a position to enact and put in place the necessary protocols and procedures for the expected changes on Friday” said the Chamber.
Premature to dismiss Covid-19 as thing of past – MFPA
The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) said that on the basis of the facts provided by experts, it was highly premature to state that Covid-19 is a thing of the past. Such a statement, it said, gives an illusion to the public and jeopardises the fruit of the measures and sacrifices that have been done. It insisted that a strong economy is indeed important but this cannot be achieved without a healthy workforce.
The MFPA also voiced its concern with regard to statements made during the past few days, insisting that current evidence by infection control experts shows that the risk of spreading the virus is still present.
In a statement, the MFPA said that “health authorities have been guiding us throughout these months to ensure the flattening of the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic and limit the number of cases and fatalities. They were very successful and Malta was even rated as one of the countries that best handled the pandemic. All of this instilled faith and full trust of the general public in the health authorities that the measures set were done in the best interest of public health.”
#MALTA-24: LOCAL NEWS
Timesofmalta.com
No coronavirus tests for tourists arriving from 19 ‘safe corridor’ territories
Travellers arriving from 19 European countries and territories considered to be “safe” will not have to take COVID-19 swab tests or enter quarantine when they land in Malta from next month, the prime minister has said.
The 19-strong “safe corridor” includes neighbouring Sicily and fellow Italian island Sardinia, but not mainland Italy or Malta’s strongest tourist market, the UK.
The “safe corridors” list will only apply to direct flights between areas deemed safe and to people who have spent the previous four weeks there.
Malta was one of the early proponents of introducing ‘safe corridors’ for travel to resume. Earlier this month, the Tourism Ministry named nine countries it was considering for such a plan. Of those nine, just one – Serbia – is not on the list announced on Monday.
Speaking on Monday evening, Prime Minister Robert Abela indicated that flights could also resume to countries not on the list of 19, saying travellers from other countries would have to spend time in mandatory quarantine.
Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci reassured people that public health authorities would be keeping a close eye on arrivals and any potential problems. All passengers landing in Malta will have to fill in a passenger locator form to allow authorities to quickly trace them should they have to, she said. Public health authorities assessed coronavirus testing, prevalence and mortality rates when drawing up the list of ‘safe corridor’ destinations, Gauci said.
Independent
Countries opened by Malta have travel ban extending beyond 1 July
Some of the countries from where flights will be allowed as from 1 July still have a travel ban which extends beyond that date, which would make it impossible to travel to and from these areas anyway.
For example, Denmark has a travel ban in place till 31 August, while that of Norway expires on 20 August. Latvia has included Malta as one of the countries that should be avoided by Latvians who would like to travel.
Added to this, Maltese travellers to Austria, Ireland and Lithuania face a 14-day quarantine when they arrive there. On the other hand, countries which have opened up to flights from Malta, such as Greece, do not form part of the list given on Monday.
Newsbook.com.mt
MIA to introduce mitigating measures at each passenger touchpoint
The re-opening of the airport on the 1st of July constitutes a first important step towards the recovery of the local aviation industry and tourism sector, said the Malta International Airport, MIA, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
MIA said that the initial flight schedule will be limited to a number of selected markets.
The company said that it will continue to prioritise the health and safety of airport guests and employees and giving travellers peace of mind as they pass through the airport. For this reason, Malta International Airport is re-evaluating the passenger journey and introducing mitigating measures at each passenger touchpoint.
Printed
The Independent reports on a press conference addressed by the Prime Minister on Monday evening in which he announced that most restrictive measures will be lifted on Friday so people can return to work.
L-Orizzont says that the new normality announced by the Prime Minister will be guided on the principles of social distancing, wearing of face masks, and personal hygiene. Robert Abela thanked people for their discipline throughout the pandemic.
The Times quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne who said that Malta has “won the war” against Covid-19 as the virus reproductive rate went down to 0.5 and said that the country can now move on from the pandemic.
In-Nazzjon quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who said that the country will remain in a state of medical emergency even after the coronavirus restrictions are lifted on Friday.
The Independent follows the testimony in court of self-confessed middleman in the Caruana Galizia assassination plot, Melvin Theuma. He said that he saw former Assistant Police Commissioner Silvio Valletta at Yorgen Fenech’s ranch in Żebbuġ.
In-Nazzjon also reports on the testimony in court by Melvin Theuma on Monday, who was heard in a recording asking Yorgen Fenech about a mobile phone belonging to then Economy Minister Chris Cardona discovered on the Marsa seabed.
The Times says that PL Deputy Leader Chris Cardona denies any involvement in the Caruana Galizia murder and denounced the testimony in court of middleman Melvin Theuma linking him to the plot as lies.
L-Orizzont speaks to the General Workers Union secretary of the maritime and aviation section who welcomed the reopening of ports from the first of July. Sandro Vella said that the closure had an impact on the finances as well as the morale of workers.
In-Nazzjon says that Prime Minister Robert Abela failed to answer questions in parliament about his visit to Libya last week. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia asked whether there were new arrangements for migrants crossing between the new countries.
L-Orizzont covers a meeting of the Council of Economic and Social Development with OPM Minister Carmelo Abela. General Workers Union Josef Bugeja proposed a framework to protect the right of future workers to be set up.
Editorials
The Times of Malta argues that the positive wishful thinking aired publicly by politicians does not carry any justification as the impact of the pandemic on the economy will be substantial. It therefore calls on political and business leaders need to engage in a gap analysis of the skills needed in the ever-changing workplace and the skill set currently available. Politicians, business leaders and trade unions need to engage in an honest discussion on how best to prepare for the changes that COVID-19 will inevitably bring to jobs and the workplace.
The Independent takes the Prime Minister to task for making important announcements on Labour media, rather than addressing the nation and giving journalists from the Independent and State media a chance to ask questions. The Editor argues that the Prime Minister does not grasp that his position as Prime Minister and as Party Leader are two different caps, and that during a pandemic, he should be addressing the nation with major policy announcements at all times, not announce first on party media, and then everywhere else.
L-Orizzont reflects on the current situation in the United States following the death of George Floyd, an African-American citizens, by white police officers. It argues that this is just one example of the rampant racism – which is described as a “disease” – that exists within our society, including in Europe. The Editor laments that this death has barely created any discussion in Malta, showing our indifference to such issues.
In-Nazzjon dedicates its Editorial to our Italian neighbours, who are celebrating their national holiday today. The Editor argues that this nation supported Malta in times of need, particularly in the run-up to EU membership. The Editor expresses hope for further support in the field of migration and a resumption of stronger relations between the two sides
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
France eases lockdown rules further as restaurants re-open today
oday marked the beginning of the second phase of easing lockdown rules in France, after a first set of measures were removed on 11th May. The changes including the re- opening of cafeterias and restaurants in designating green zones, areas with minimal numbers of active cases. Parks and restaurant terraces alone will reopen in Paris, which is considered an orange zone, and restrictions will be lifted on travel beyond the current 100km-radius restriction.
“Freedom will finally become the rule and constraint the exception,” announced Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.
So far, more than 28,000 people have died in France as a result of Covid-19, although the toll’s climb has slowed significantly in the past few weeks. The hospital death toll from the virus rose by 31 on Monday to 18,506. This was the 12th consecutive day with ‘only’ double digit deaths. The number of coronavirus-infected patients in intensive care (1,302 on Monday) has returned nearly to levels last seen around mid-march.
Positively, there are no more red zones, that is those areas with a high circulation of cases. These were largely focused in the North East, including Paris.
Cafés, bars and restaurants are opening again as from today, but tables need to be spaced at least one metre apart, in the green zones. In the orange zones, only outdoor terraces will be available, with the Parisian authorities allowing businesses to encroach on sidewalks, streets and parking spaces accordingly.
EU Corner – by Comuniq.EU
Strong multilateral system key to delivering for world’s most vulnerable, EU Foreign Policy Chief tells UN
The COVID-19 pandemic is a test of the multilateral system’s ability to overcome global challenges through collective action, the European Union’s foreign policy chief told the Security Council in a videoconference meeting* on 28 May, where he called on the 15- member organ to overcome its differences and unite to resolve conflicts and reinforce international peace and security.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the pandemic is shaking the very foundations of societies and exposing the vulnerabilities of the world’s most fragile nations. “It can deepen existing conflicts and generate new geopolitical tensions,” he said, emphasizing the need to uphold and strengthen the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its core. He added: “At a time of global crisis, we need a Security Council able to take the necessary decisions — and not one that is paralysed by vetoes and political infighting.”
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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.
