80% of Olympic athletes vaccinated against COVID-19

Jun 10 2021

The International Olympic Committee has stated that over 80% of athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympic Games have already been vaccinated agains the virus. As the games draw nearer, the committee is also encouraging countries to have their athletes vaccinated before travelling to Japan. The committee’s executive director also stated how countries and individual athletes are being contacted in order to make sure the jab has been received.

Japan is still fairly behind in terms of the vaccine rollout, with only around 11% of the population having received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Athletes will also be wearing mandatory GPS in order to make sure that they not enter zones of high risk and thus avoid any spread or spikes in cases.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: BBC, Karolina Grabowska

Malta getting second electricity inter-connector by 2025

Jun 9 2021

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli stated that Malta is set to get a second interconnected with Ragusa following approval by the Cabinet of the 200MW cable investment. Running parallel to the existing inter-connector which currently connects Maghtab station to Ragusa station, both stations were built to accommodate two cable connections. The Minister stated that a study undertaken by France Electric showed that meeting the projected growth in electricity in terms of demand through a second 200MW connector was the most feasible option.

Predicted to cost €170 million, the project will help cut emissions from energy sector by 58% and is expected to be completed by 2025. Alternative connection sites in Calabria, Tunisia and Greece proved too high risk and proved much more expensive following similar studies. With Malta’s demand growing by 18% in four years, it is only expected to continue growing following the pandemic’s impact.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Miriam Dalli FB

1/3 of Brits choosing isolation over socialising in new survey

Jun 9 2021

With the UK attempting to get back into its everyday routine of social interactions following the pandemic, it seems as though some aren’t ready to get back into social scenarios. A survey published by YouGov has found that as many as 1 out of 3 Brits are choosing to avoid social contact altogether. A poll asking whether people of all ages were willing to socialise as restrictions continue ease got a whopping 33% of people responding that they did not plan on seeing friends and family at all.

Only 9% said they would see or interact with friends more than twice a week. 15% of 18 to 24 year olds were willing to meet up with friends or family, with hesitancy reaching high amongst 25 to 49 year olds at 32%. 50 to 64 year olds were the most likely to avoid socialising at 42%, despite having received full vaccination. The survey, it should be noted, also comes during a time where experts are warning of a possible third COVID-19 wave due to the Delta variant.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The Guardian

Leading European politicians call to end all legal barriers to abortion

Jun 9 2021

29 politicians, healthcare and women’s rights activists, including government ministers from five European countries, have signed an open letter calling for the removal of legal barriers put up against abortion. With gender and equality ministers from France, Canada and Norway and international development ministers from Sweden and Netherlands signing it, the open letter states that a woman’s right to safe, legal abortion is being eroded by misinformation and attacks on services.

The reopening of abortion clinics which closed during the pandemic is also being called for. Signatories say that abortion should be regarded as essential healthcare service, with a global campaign for factual and unbiased information in order to give women the rights to know and understand their options. The letter was published by SheDecides movement.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: IPPF