100,000 pigs set to be ‘destroyed’ due to worker shortage post-Brexit

Sep 6 2021

The pressure from Brexit’s ensuing impacts could see over 100,000 killed and burned due to shortage of staff in slaughterhouses. The measure could be put in place as it has started to become uneconomical to feed the pigs as the British farms face an unprecedented shortage of workers. Around 100,000 have been caught up in this year’s backlog, which was heightened not only by Brexit export restrictions but also by COVID-19 closures.

Pork processing plants have also seen staffing gaps of between 10-16% across the entire country. Pigs are already being kept on farms far longer than they normally would as many workers left processing plants to go home as many are Eastern European. Chief executive of the National Pig Association said that 85,000 pigs are currently awaiting slaughter due to a 15% shortfall in butchers. The backlog grows by 15,000 each week, with abattoirs not processing the number of pigs supplied to them on a weekly basis.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: BBC

Booster shot rollout begins for elderly care home residents

Sep 6 2021

The booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine has started its rollout for residents in elderly homes. Following two clusters of infections being recorded in these homes, the programme was brought forward by a week after this was noted. Health Minister Chris Fearne and Senior Citizens Minister Michael Farrugia both attended the rollout of said booster doses at a Floriana care home this morning.

With 500 vaccines set to be administered per day, according to the government, residents at St Vincent de Paul are next in line to start receiving the booster doses later this week. This is Malta’s largest care home, with immunocompromised patients set to be the next group to receive the third dose following the resident home roll out.

All the booster shots are mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, but the vaccination of the elderly population who do not reside in care homes is yet to be determined. The ministers emphasised the importance of the jab due to flu season being around the corner, putting the vulnerable more at risk. With the Delta variant posing a higher risk, the booster vaccination drive has been further pushed as Malta joins the booster effort alongside other countries.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB, Cleveland CLinic Health Essentials

Thunderstorms could hit Malta this coming Thursday

Sep 6 2021

Malta has officially entered the new season cycle as this upcoming week is characterised by isolated showers, more showers and a possible thunderstorm to top it all off on Thursday. With temperatures mitigated and relatively settled at 30 and 31 degrees Celsius, clouds are to occupy the skies over the islands.

Most of these are to bring rain showers, some light drizzles whilst others destined to be more intense. The thunderstorm destined for Thursday is still up in the air (no pun intended) for now but given the week’s weather plan we wouldn’t rule it out any time soon.

It’s time to switch your beach towels and sun cream for rain jackets and cosier clothes, even though the heat still seems to persist here and there. We’ve had enough of it but the feeling doesn’t seem mutual.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: storm chasers of Malta

Malta perform well but narrowly lose to Slovenia

Sep 6 2021

This week was surely one of the most successful weeks in Maltese football history. The national team highly impressed, gaining plaudits not only locally but also internationally.

The senior team had a very positive week as they convincingly beat Cyprus 3-0. They unfortunately lost 1-0 to Slovenia due to a penalty but the Maltese players performed valiantly against their opponents. Malta never seemed as the weaker team during the match, attacking and pressing the Slovenians constantly.

The only goal of the game came from a dubious penalty right before half-time in the 44th minute. The goal didn’t dishearten the Maltese players in the second half as they managed to score a goal which was unfortunately ruled out for offside. The game ended with another penalty for Slovenia but it was saved this time by keeper Henry Bonello.

A big well done goes to the Maltese players for once again making us proud!

#MaltaDaily