22 language schools reopen for fully vaccinated foreign students

Aug 7 2021

As fully vaccinated students return to 22 language schools for their reopening, health authorities encourage the establishments to test them for COVID-19 every two weeks throughout their stay in Malta. The sector was closed in July following a spike in infections amongst students wanting to learn English. The updated guidelines, which experienced several changes following urging by the schools and FELTOM to create a better approach, recommends that all English Language Teaching (ELT) schools students are offered testing for COVID-19 by rapid antigen test.

The tests should, according to the guidelines, take place between 5 and 10 days after the students’ arrival, followed by more testing every two weeks until the students are to return back from their stay. The guidelines also point out how the public health authorities will consider facilitating this process if properly and centrally organised by the ELT council or FELTOM.

The schools can only open for those students already in Malta by the 26th of July 2021 and who are in possession of a valid vaccine certificate. With around 40 language schools in Malta, only 22 are currently open to fully vaccinated students. According to the Health Authorities, around 700 students contracted the virus whilst in Malta, with many being repatriated.

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Photo Source: EC English, The Guardian

60% increase in traffic accidents in 2021 second quarter

Aug 7 2021

Traffic accidents seem to have boomed in the second quarter of 2021, as a total of 3,594 traffic accidents were recorded. This is up 59.4% compared to the same period back in 2020. The potential spike in accidents could be due to last year’s partial shutdown, resulting in people working more from home rather than take the journey to work. There were a total of 418 casualties from traffic accidents, signifying an 85% increase from accidents reported last year.

Of these casualties, 96 were grievously injured – with 65 being drivers, 12 passengers and 19 pedestrians/cyclists. With only one fatality, this marks a decrease of four less fatalities compared to 2020. The Northern Harbour district, which induce localities such as St Julian’s, Sliema, Birkirkara and Santa Venera, accounted for the most reported traffic accidents at 1,268 cases (35.3% of all accidents reported).

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Photo Source: Bloomberg.com

Potential pesticides in popular ice-cream multipacks

Aug 7 2021

Warnings issued by the Environmental Health Directorate state that a number of ice-cream products potential contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic pesticide and sterilising agent. The chemical is not permitted for use in foods sold in the European Union but is allowed by other countries outside the EU. Despite not proving immediate health risks, the continued consumption over a long period of time may increase risks to health if the chemical is found to be present.

The products in question include several popular ice-creams such as ice cream bars for Snickers, Twix, Bounty, Kit Kat and Extreme Sundae Caramel multipacks. The full list of the products can be found on the Health Directorate website, with other items such as Kiri Soft Cheese Spread, Cream Vegetale cooking ingredient and Orasi vegetable creams. The news raised concerns on social media, with many stating they would avoid the otherwise popular ice-creams completely.

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St. Julian’s residents lament lack of police patrols amidst vandalism and drunken disturbances

Aug 6 2021

A considerable amount of St. Julian’s residents have called for increased police presence due to an increased amount of vandalism and disturbances from revellers in the area.

Both the Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay area residents have called for the increased police patrols, stating that the situation has become unbearable, going on to suggest signs calling for respect for residents in multiple languages.

Many went on to highlight that streets of the surrounding areas turn to a disastrous state with foul smells in the morning due to individuals urinating during the late hours.

Moreover, it was highlighted that the lack of patrolling and enforcement also resulted in increased looting and vandalism of boats, illegal parkings and nightly disturbances despite multiple calls from the residents.

Do you agree with these calls?

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