A return to school and physical university exams – all new details

Dec 31 2021

Schools are set to return online but then shift back to physical learning on the 10th of January as new details emerge.

The Education ministry and the Malta Union of Teachers announced the news following a lengthy meeting with the health and education authorities today. The MUT said that during the online period, schools will be assessing how many of their staff are on quarantine or sick leave.

Should it be deemed that there are insufficient personnel to attend a school, classroom or group, the school, classroom or group will remain online beyond 10th January until capacity improves.

Childcare centres will also remain closed until the 10th of January, with UOM opening its doors for practical lessons as of Monday.

However, it will be up to individual faculties to decide whether or not to shift their lectures online or not. Exams will also be held on campus as planned, with students being able to sit for the exam a few weeks later rather than in September.

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President George Vella addresses vaccine fears and encourages the jab

Dec 31 2021

Speaking on MaltaDaily’s newest talk show ‘The Interview with Fabian Demicoli, President George Vella addressed some of the many concerns and even spreading misinformation in regards to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Clarifying that he does not think that vaccination should become mandatory in Malta, he nonetheless highlighted his frustration in regards to people spreading misinformed ideas about the jab.

He acknowledged how some people did receive medical exemptions which, due to personal health reasons, prevents them from taking the vaccine. However, he said that those who do not take the vaccine out of ‘capriciousness’ should seek to curb their fears through medical professional advice.

He also highlighted how the scientific enterprise is showing us that the vaccine is the main weapon against COVID-19 – preventing everything from further infection, death and even the generation of new variants.

Those still refusing to take the vaccine, he said, not only risk spreading the virus but also place a higher risk on themselves of getting infected with the virus. This is where the question of whether or not unvaccinated individuals can access all public establishments such as restaurants. Despite vaccination not being made mandatory as per the President’s opinion, there should still be restrictions he said which protect the general public form getting infected.

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New education minister convinced schools can reopen next month despite spike

Dec 31 2021

Newly appointed education minister Clifton Grima has revealed that he is confident in schools being able to reopen next month despite a surge of cases.

Speaking on TVAM this morning, Grima stated that ‘as a father, I believe that the education of children involves a number of aspects, primary of which is that they should attend school physically.’

He acknowledged the current health reality which necessitates people being careful and working side-by-side with the health authorities and follow protocols.

He stated that just as challenges were overcome in the past, he is convinced that we can reopen schools whilst also following health protocols. Grima said that the vaccination gave us a new weapon which was not present last year.

On the other hand, unions, particularly, the Malta Union of Teachers, came out as still unsure as to whether or not schools should reopen or not. The number of cases and quarantined people would have severe impacts on operations.

With cases soaring higher, active cases well over the 10,000 mark, it would be a difficult situation overall. However, many do not wish a return to online learning, given the mental toll on parents, students and teachers alike.

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Photo Source: Clifton Grima FB

800 inspections weekly at bars and food establishments by MTA

Dec 31 2021

The Malta Tourism Authority’s Enforcement Section continued to carry out inspections of bars, restaurants and other food establishments despite the pandemic.

Director David Mifsud told the News Centre that enforcement officers carry out an average of 800 inspections per week. He said that during festive times, the amount of inspections massively increased.

He also highlighted how the enforcement section was there to issue fines but instead assist and guide restaurants in complying with regulations laid down by Health Authorities.

The absolute majority of inspections showed that restaurants and bars are in fact complying with the current existing measures. The few which are violating the measures are fined according to law.

Detailing the process, Mifsud explained how one checks that there are the right number of people sitting at a table, sanitisers are present, record of customers is kept as well as a mini audit-like process of what is being done.

The pandemic proved to be a difficult period for many establishments but many seemed to have worked hard at ensuring the safety of all clients.

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