“Consequences may be severe;” WHO warns that Omicron COVID variant ‘very high’

Nov 29 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that thew new COVID-19 Omicron variant is of “very high” risk globally as countries react to the discovery of the new strain.

The variant was first discovered in South Africa and was marked as a highly-divergent, heavily-mutated variant with multiple mutations, some of which being of concern due to associations with increased transmissibility and immune escape potential. The organisation’s technical advisory noted that the likelihood of the virus’ spread globally is high.

No deaths have been connected with the variant as of yet but even if it is proven to be less dangerous or deadly, its high risk of spread will certainly increase cases globally and tighten the pressure on various health systems around the world. The organisation stated that “if another major surge of COVID-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe.”

#MaltaDaily

WATCH: Maltese streets overwhelmed by floods; annual phenomenon was much stronger this year

Nov 29 2021

This year’s excessive rain and floods have affected individuals and businesses across the country but the phenomenon was reportedly much stronger this year. In villages like Marsaxlokk, the coast took to the streets due to varying atmospheric pressure.

View this post on Instagram

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

The aforementioned pressure opened the waves and made them stronger over the weekend, so much so that certain vendors were unable to set up their stand or had to dismantle whatever they already had set up due to overwhelming amounts of sea water.

Consultant in Ocean Research Professor Aldo Drago told TVM this phenomenon is something which occurs annually but was much stronger this year. This was noted particularly by the instruments which measure air pressure and water level and reportedly has nothing to do with the tide or the weather but is called a ‘meteo tsunami’. This is due to atmospheric gravity, which is movement in the atmosphere.

#MaltaDaily

HSBC bank manager under investigation over suspicions of theft from client loan accounts

Nov 29 2021

The Malta Police Force is currently investigating a former HSBC bank manager who was fired after being suspected of stealing money from client loan accounts. Times of Malta reports that the ex-manager is suspected of siphoning money from loan balances granted for reasons such as home improvement.

The individual in question would fake invoices and receipts as if they were coming from clients, without anyone’s knowledge. Clients who would complain about the unauthorised withdrawals would have their complaints directed towards the same individual suspected of the fraud.

Another source reported that the ex-manager would withdraw funds from a different client account to compensate for the suspicious withdrawals from one client’s account.

Police investigations are currently ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

7 good reasons to wake up at 5am | by Ed’s Common Sense

Nov 28 2021

The phrase ‘the early bird catches the worm’ is thrown around a lot nowadays but many fail to understand the true benefits of waking up early and truly seizing the day. Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Dr. Edward Curmi joins us this week to introduce us to the benefits of waking up at 5am.

Dr. Edward Curmi is also the author of 2 self-help books titled Ed’s Common Sense.

1. You will feel more motivated for the rest of the day

2. It teaches you punctuality and self discipline

3. It reminds you that you are capable of doing anything

4. You can get a lot of things done without interruptions whilst everyone sleeps

5. Ironically, your brain and memory function much better in the early hours of the day

6. An early rise is more likely to put you in a good mood and promote healthy well-being

7. It’s the perfect time to go do exercise and add yet another positive activity in your life

Do you plan on waking up at 5am from now on?

#MaltaDaily