Australia to cut by half the number of international arrivals

Jul 2 2021

Amidst COVID-19 outbreaks putting half the population into lockdown just this week, Australia will be cutting by half the number of international arrivals it accepts. From the 14th of July, Australia will be accepting just over 3000 people a week. With the measure likely lasting until next year, the announcement sparked dismay amongst Australians living abroad and separated from their families. This measure is set to reduce pressure on the country’s quarantine system, says Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The source of numerous outbreaks across the country have been linked to leaks from the hotel quarantine which is mandatory for all arrivals. Australia just has 8% of the population vaccinated so far. Around 37,000 Australians remain stranded overseas, with the government temporarily blocking its citizens from returning from India amidst the deadly wave in April. The border policies have sparked much criticism as it does not allow for many Australians to return home to their families.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The Telegraph

Malta International Airport welcomes recognition of digital documents by health authorities

Jul 2 2021

The Malta International Airport announced today that they welcome the decision by the health authorities to recognise the digital versions of documents which are required for entry into Malta. This includes the UK digital vaccine certificate and the Malta digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) which forms part of a wider EU system. Stating this is an important step in the right direction, it is expected to contribute to a much improved experience for all guests arriving in Malta.

Despite this, passengers arriving with missing or paper-based documents are still to be expected. This requires manual verification by public health representatives. The airport would like to appeal in this light to prospective travellers for their cooperation by presenting and submitting required entry documents digitally whenever possible. The Malta International Airport also reminds departing and arriving passengers of the country-specific requirements which can all be found on the airport’s COVID-19 page.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Malta International Airport

77% of businesses report finding workers troublesome

Jul 2 2021

A new report published by the Malta Chamber has revealed that 77% of businesses responding to a survey have trouble finding workers at various levels. Dealing with CEO confidence levels, the report represents a comparison of data from 199 respondents from the local business community during June. This survey took place before Malta’s grey-listing.

Employee retention has allegedly decreased for 18% of businesses, but ‘more significantly, 77% report trouble finding workers at a variety of levels.’ This is impacting a businesses’ ability to meet customer demand. 61% of leaders show that challenges ‘hiring are limiting the ability of their company to operate at full capacity.’

When asked whether they expect their firm’s total number of employees to increase during the upcoming 12 months, 40% responded yes and 51% stated they would remain at the same level. 9% said they expect them to decrease. 32% of respondents believe that the overall economic conditions in Malta, whereas 40% believe it remained the same and around 26% stating it improved.

The responses were all gathered before the FATF’s decision to grey list Malta and it is therefore unsure whether opinions remain the same.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: fauxels

Better monitoring of Euro 2020 spectators called for by WHO Europe

Jul 2 2021

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the cities hosting Euro 2020 football matches need to monitor the movement of spectators better. The tracking needs to be done before the match, during and after they leave the stadium. Senior Emergency Officer at WHO’s European Office Catherine Smallwood stated that there should be better monitoring beyond the stadia themselves. Despite fears of rising cases in London and St. Petersburg, the British capital is set to host the semi-finals and finals of the tournament next week.

When asked about whether the Euro championship was a super spreader of the virus, WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge stated that despite hoping this to not be the case, it cannot be excluded. Hundreds of cases have been detected among spectators, including Scots returning from London, Finns returning from St. Petersburg and even Delta variant carriers in Copenhagen.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Sky Sports