7 day quarantines for fully vaccinated people in Malta starting August 16th

Aug 5 2021

Addressing a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne announced that fully-vaccinated people who come in contact with a positive person will need to only quarantine for 7 days instead of the full 14 as of the 16th of August.

The Health Minister also announced that following the 7 days, the fully vaccinated person will undergo a swab test which will determine whether or not the person can exit the quarantine. Two dates will be given in the start of the quarantine, one which indicates the end of the 7-day self-isolation and another the 14-day isolation.

A hub for swab tests for fully vaccinated individuals will be set up both in Malta and Gozo. The person who registers positive will still have to self-isolate for 14-days. Fearne highlighted how this measure was only possible because of the high vaccination rollout as Malta registers one of the best jab administrations globally.

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Photo Source: The Connexion

Clusters of 300 for events by 16th of August

Aug 5 2021

Addressing a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne stated that as of the 16th of August, the clusters of people allowed at seated events will go up to 300 from 200.

The same protocols of mask-wearing, staying seated and providing proof of vaccination will still remain applicable. The cluster will then increase to 500 from 30th of August, two weeks after the 300-cluster-measure.

The Health Minister highlighted how as events worked with 150 to 200 clusters, the epidemiological situation, especially that in hospitals and ITUs, was made manageable. Keeping cautious, no new restrictions were needed and instead an easing of measures was made possible. The Deputy Prime Minister still advised for caution amongst all those who attend such events to mitigate further spread.

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Crop-killing heatwave leaves farmers devastated

Aug 5 2021

As constant record-breaking heatwaves roll across the Maltese islands, tomato farmers have estimated that a third of their crop this season has been lost. Fearing more losses due to the scorching temperatures, crops such as olives, peppers and pumpkin are also reportedly suffering from the heat spells. Tomatoes form part of a Maltese diet quite prominently, with the production also employing lots of people to farm them.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Korperattiva tat-Tadam ghall-Iprocessar and Koperativa Produtturi tat-Tadam ta’ Malta stated that 140 members were left distraught at the damage being done to the crops industry. A spokesperson stated how it is assumed 65% of the yield was saved, but with the harvest still ongoing, a drop to 55% could still be possible.

The spokesperson claimed that such a bad year hadn’t been experienced since 2009 following the ‘tuta absoluta’ pest decimated several plants. Despite the tomato’s ability to withstand high temperatures, spells of continuous heat rendered the plant’s coping less effective. Decline in blossoms and stunted growth were recorded following the two-week June heatwave, with many tomatoes not growing to full maturity or simply getting burnt.

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Photo Source: Tomato Growing

Netflix to air new Michael Schumacher documentary next Septmeber

Aug 5 2021

Netflix will air a Michael Schumacher documentary which will show the “many facets of his multi-layered personality”. The documentary will be out on the 15th of September. Unlike other sports documentaries, it is set to be filmed in movie format like ‘The Last Dance.’ The documentary will show viewers Michael’s journey from riding karts in Germany to becoming one of the most iconic Formula One drivers to ever live. Titled ‘Schumacher’, it is set to have exclusive interviews with his wife Corinna, his two children Mick and Gina, and former and current F1 drivers such as Sebastien Vettel and Mika Hakkinen.

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A post shared by Michael Schumacher (@michaelschumacher)

Michael retired from racing in 2012 whilst driving for Mercedes. In 2014 he unfortunately hit his head in ski trip with his son. The former driver is still recovering from the hit, albeit in a very private way due of family wishes. The driver’s son Mick picked up the mantle and is now a Formula One driver himself, so it would be interesting if the viewers can see what Michael taught his son about F1.

F1 have already benefitted massively from Netflix’s docuseries ‘Drive To Survive’, where cameras have been let free into the world of Formula One drivers, bosses and staff. Another F1 documentary about a famous figure like Michael Schumacher will help the sport and brand garner more interest.

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