223 people stranded at sea as Malta denies Sea-Eye 4 access

Dec 20 2021

After Malta closed its doors on NGO Sea-Eye 4, the organisation is looking t Sicily to provide the migrants with safe port.

With pregnant women and children among the 223, the migrants were rescued within Malta’s search-and-rescue area this week. Their health conditions are reportedly deteriorating as time goes on, with Times of Malta being informed by a spokesperson that only Italy has responded their calls.

‘Even though the rescues took place in the Maltese SAR zone, the Maltese Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre did not respond and coordinate the cases’ the spokesperson said.

Times of Malta confirmed on Saturday that the Armed Forces turned down the NGO’s request for assistance, saying that Malta ‘is not in a position to provide […] place of safety.’

Several have been treated for hypothermia, with two pregnant women experiencing stomach pains and one child having a broken arm. Sea-Eye spokesperson Sophie Weidenhiller described the Maltese government failure to coordinate distress cases at sea.

She said that the ‘cold-blooded ignorance of the EU cost us human lives – the sea-grave is growing, even if we constantly fight against it.

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Photo Source: Sea-Eye 4 FB

20 million extra vaccine doses for the EU against Omicron

Dec 20 2021

Up to 20 million doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be sent to EU members in the first three months of 2022.

The massive haul is purposed to curb the rapid spread of the Omicron COVID variant, the European Commission revealed. As Europe braces for a new wave of infections, this also comes as many countries reintroduce travel bans and restrictions.

Member states will get an additional five million doses of the Pfizer vaccine in January, followed by five million in February and a whopping 10 million in March.

‘These doses come on top of the already scheduled 195 million doses from Pfizer BioNTech, bringing the total number of delivers in the first quarter to 215 million.’

This means the EU is due to receive 650 million doses of Pfizer jabs in total in 2022.

Most health authorities are emphasising Omicron becoming the dominant strain by mid January in the EU. 67% of the EU population is fully vaccinated.

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Photo Source: Financial Times

7 recommendations for the Xmas season | by Ed’s Common Sense

Dec 19 2021

With all of the joy that the holiday season brings with it, it is important to understand that not everyone is as festive as they hoped to be. The holidays may also bring with them multiple difficulties, mental and otherwise, which is why it is important to head into the Xmas season with these 7 recommendations from clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Dr. Edward Curmi.

Dr. Edward Curmi is also the author of 2 self-help books titled Ed’s Common Sense.

1. Believe me, it’s the thought that counts… not the price tag.

2. Around Xmas time not everyone has the capacity to be mentally happy.

3. This is the right time to let go of any negative vibes so that you don’t carry any of them into 2022.

4. Enjoy your intake of food and drink but try keep the word ‘moderation’ in the equation.

5. Be nice to others after all you have no idea what they might be going through.

6. Stop comparing yourself in real life and social media with what others are doing around Xmas time.

7. Check in on your friends and offer to help those who might find themselves on their own.

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Here’s why North Koreans are banned from laughing until December 28

Dec 19 2021

For whatever reason it may be, North Korean citizens will have to contain their laughter until December 28 because anything from a smirk to a full on LOL moment may come with severe consequences.

This is due to the 10-year-anniversary since the death of Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong-Un. On the anniversary of his father’s death, the current Supreme Leader of North Korea announced that members of the public are banned from laughing, participating in leisurely activities or drinking alcohol for 11 straight days. A citizen reported that even grocery shopping being prohibited.

Such a rule is being put into place to enact a period of mourning and is 11 days long rather than 10 due to it being Kim Jong Il’s 10-year anniversary since his death.

What do you make of this?

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