Black Fungus linked to COVID-19 hits India

May 24 2021

Indian states have started to declare a black fungus epidemic as cases of this infectious disease sky rocket in patients recovering from the already detrimental COVID-19. Called mucormycosis, the fungal disease has a 50% mortality rate as it starts initially in the nose but has the potential to spread into the brain. It can often only be treated by major surgery which removes the eye or part of skull or jaw. More than 7200 people in India have been reported to have contracted the otherwise rare disease, with 219 dead.

The rise in the infection is correlated to an overuse of steroids which patients with COVID-19 were given to ease the virus’ pain. Diabetes is also being linked to the fungus, with India being the second highest in diabetes rate globally. Fungal spores found in soil and organic matter cause the fungus, with those who have a compromised immunity usually succumbing to the fungus.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The Guardian

UK’s Eurovision 2021 contestant has written worldwide hits

May 24 2021

Despite receiving zero points during the 2021 edition of the Eurovision song contest, the UK’s ambassador James Newman is actually a very talented and renowned songwriter and musician. He was written songs which people love, listen and dance to without having no idea who Newman is. Newman has written for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris and Jess Glynn, and even won Brit Award for British Single of the Year as a co-writer of Rudimental’s ‘Waiting All Night’.

Despite having songwriting credits alongside Little Mix, Sigala and even Backstreet Boys, Newman’s single ‘Ember’ did not garner a single point during the 2021 edition of Eurovision. Eurovision seems to be just a tiny bump on the road for the artist, as his long musical CV is sure to keep him working in the sector for a long time to come.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The Sun, ESCplus

WATCH: No clarification on village feasts & mass events despite rumours

May 24 2021

In today’s COVID-19 related press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent Professor Charmaine Gauci did not confirm any dates regarding the reopening of mass events and the entertainment sector. Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne did state that talks are taking place to decide on when and how mass, cultural events are to reopen in a safe manner.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

No date was given however, as the epidemiological situation still does not allow the health authorities to confirm any direct plan on when to open the sector. July is not a set month, but instead simply a starting date after which the epidemiological situation will be reassessed to check whether the sector can in fact open. Despite the signing of a petition for the reopening of the sector acquiring thousands of signatures, the sector still remains in the dark.

#MaltaDaily

Vaccine certificates to be issued in the coming days

May 24 2021

Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister Chris Fearne announced that vaccine certifications will be issued in the coming days as herd immunity is reached and 70% of the population has received at least the first dose. Vaccine certificates will be able to change the epidemiological situation and allow for further measurement easing. Fearne stated that talks are taking place which will also see the reopening cultural and social events and also religious events.

The transmission of the virus has decreased significantly and will therefore mean that those who have been vaccinated will also be able to remove the mask should they meet someone else who has been vaccinated (up to two people). Close to 42% of Malta is fully vaccinated, with over 475,000 vaccines administered.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Euronews, Chris Fearne FB