2021 was the deadliest in five years

Apr 25 2022

Last year, 2021, Malta registered the highest number of deaths in five years, as it recoded a massive rise in the mortality rate recorded during COVID-19’s second year.

According to Eurostat, figures show that the percentage of additional deaths was significantly higher in 2021 than 2020 and when compared to pre-pandemic 2016 to 2019.

In March of last year, more than 32% of additional deaths over the pre-pandemic period were registered. In 2020, the first pandemic year, the same figure stood at 16.7%.

In August of 2021, there were 26.8 more deaths than in the same period between 2016 and 2019. In 2020, August’s excess mortality rate stood at 13%.

The situation seemingly improved in the last four months of 2021, whereas in 2020, the last quarter of the year saw the most deaths. The rate started dropping significantly the following year.

In December, the rate was registered at 18.8%, which was lower than that for the same month in 2020, which saw a 40% death uptick. Health sources say that the excess death reflected the increase in COVID-19 case spikes.

Since the start of the pandemic, Malta registered a total of 688 deaths. Health authorities insist that the vaccines played a major part in keeping the mortality rates at bay. According to Charmaine Gauci, only 51% of COVID deaths were caused by the virus in April.

#MaltaDaily

47-year-old man assaulted in St Julians

Apr 25 2022

Yesterday, at around 2100hrs, police were informed that their assistance was needed in a shop near St George’s Bay, St Julian’s.

Police intervened on the site, and preliminary investigations revealed that a 47-year-old Australian man was assaulted by some individuals. The perpetrators had already fled from the scene before the police arrived.

The victim was certified as having suffered grievous injuries after he was given medical assistance on site and then taken to Mater Dei. Magistrate Dr Charmaine Galea LL.D was informed of the case and opened up an inquiry. Investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Malta Info Guide

WATCH: Powerboat overturns during breathtaking world championship race in St. Paul’s Bay

Apr 24 2022

The weather on Sunday morning spelled another exciting for the Voomquest Enemed UIM V2 World Championship powerboat races as various drivers met in St. Paul’s Bay for another day of competition.

Earlier today, Team Bad Company’s Clive Butler secured a winning flag after finding a first place position during most of the race. Another breathtaking race for the V2s took place when Freccia Blu’s Beppe Debono found itself in the first place spot with El Diablo following. The race took a dramatic turn when Stephen Bezzina’s Cutting Edge overturned due to a technical issue.

Once safety and security measures were ensured, the race was declared complete due to 70 per cent of the minimum race distance being covered.

Voomquest founder Aaron Ciantar stated “In those rare moments, when a vessel overturns, we all hold our breath. Luckily, all drivers are conscious of the security procedures and that it why no injuries were sustained.”

Do you follow Voomquest?

#MaltaDaily

Could financial troubles and internal disputes spell end of PN? Grech addresses €32 million debt

Apr 24 2022

During the first session of the Nationalist Party’s General Council, PN leader Bernard Grech stated that when he put forward his leadership candidature, he was fully aware that the road ahead was long, difficult and an uphill struggle.

However, Grech stated that he wasn’t aware of how urgent it is for the PN to pave a new way forward.

“The decisions we take together in the coming months will be important decisions. Decisions which will determine the existence of this party. If we don’t take these difficult decisions quickly, we risk our survival as a party.” The PN leader went on to state that he always promised authenticity, calling for the understanding of the party’s need to move forward.

Amongst other pertinent issues within the Nationalist Party, Grech addressed the PN’s €32 million in debt. He stated that 4 major changes in leadership over the past few years resulted in similar electoral results and the issue is not at the top of the party structure.

What do you think is the PN’s biggest issue?

#MaltaDaily