LOCAL NEWS
Update by Ministry of Health
There were no new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the Health Department said. With one recovery being reported during the same timeframe, the number of active cases now stands at 12.
The Department said that for the first time since March, there are no patients being treated for Covid-19 at Mater Dei. Six people are however receiving treatment at other hospitals – Boffa, St Thomas and Karin Grech.
Malta gets green light from UK for post-Covid travelling
The British government has published the list of 59 countries and territories that will form travel corridors with England. This list includes Malta.
The government announced that as from July 10, people arriving in England from these mentioned destinations will not have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Travelling is not limited to air but also includes train, ferry, coach or any other route.
#MALTA-24: LOCAL NEWS
Timesofmalta.com
The health authorities have continued to carry out random inspections at shops, gyms, bars and salons to ensure COVID-19 mitigation measures are being followed.
In the wake of the lifting of the emergency order last Wednesday, many people had assumed that the measures – which include the wearing of masks and use of hand sanitisers – are no longer mandatory.
The rules are regulated by law, a spokesperson for the health ministry said on Friday.
“Inspections to ensure compliance with the conditions for mitigation measures issued under the Public Health Act Chapter 465 are still being performed by Officials of the Environmental Health Directorate,” the spokesperson said.
She acknowledged that some people may be confused but added: “Just because people say there is no longer a need to wear the mask, that doesn’t mean it is the case.”
Newspaper Review
The Independent quotes a report by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life which found the former Prime Minister in breach of ethical conduct for accepting fine wines from business mogul Yorgen Fenech.
The Times reports that a parliamentary committee could impose sanctions on MP Joseph Muscat for receiving expensive gifts from businessman Yorgen Fenech. The former Prime Minister said he disagreed with the conclusion reached by the Commissioner for Standards.
L-Orizzont reports that John Paul Woods has been arraigned in court accused of the murder of Charlene Farrugia, twelve years ago. The remains of the victim’s body, aged 25 at the time of her disappearance, was discovered in the outskirts of Valletta last year.
In-Nazzjon follows the case in court into the deal to privatise three state hospitals. Nexia BT partner Manuel Castagna, who sat on the evaluation and adjudication board of the deal, said in his testimony that no due diligence was carried out into Vitals Healthcare.
The Independent reports that the government published amendments to the Citizenship Act on Friday that will scrap the current cash-for-passports scheme and introduce a new residence by investment system.
The Times quotes Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship Alex Muscat who said that an overhaul of the IIP scheme could be introduced as early as September. Applicants will now be required to reside in Malta for at least a year to be eligible for citizenship.
L-Orizzont announces that the General Workers Union has ordered industrial actions against the Central Procurement and Supplies Unit. The union says it is safeguarding the conditions of work of employees.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS (By corporatedispatch.com)
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 422 to 196,096
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 422 to 196,096, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.
The reported death toll rose by 7 to 9,010, the tally showed.
Fears for ‘Super Saturday’ as pubs reopen in England
Pubs in England reopen on Saturday for the first time since late March, bringing cheer to drinkers and the industry but fears of public disorder and fresh coronavirus cases.
The move is part of a wider government plan to relaunch the hospitality, tourism and culture sectors and help the UK economy recover from more than three tough months of lockdown. Restaurants, cinemas, galleries, museums, libraries and hairdressers can all welcome back the public, as can hotels, campsites, bed and breakfast, and self-catering accommodation.
Italy registers 223 new cases of coronavirus
The Italian health ministry said Friday that Italy has registered 223 new cases of the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. It said 15 COVID-19 sufferers have died in the last 24 hours, down from 30 on Thursday. The overall death toll is now 34,833.
EU Corner – by Comuniq.EU
UK’s Johnson feels more optimistic than EU officials on post-Brexit deal
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was more optimistic than European officials that a post-Brexit trading deal could be struck but said Britain could leave the bloc without a comprehensive agreement if needed.
Johnson said he was a bit more optimistic than EU negotiator Michel Barnier, who said this week that serious divergences remained and Britain needed to respect the EU’s position. Johnson said if no deal was struck then an “Australia-style” arrangement would be a “very good option”.
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.
