EU Digital COVID certificate could stay around for another year

May 2 2022

MEPs from the Civil Liberties Committee endorsed proposals to keep the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate around for another year.

The certificate scheme was set to expire on the 30th June of this year, but MEPs from the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs voted in favour of two reports to prolong it.

The extension was done with the aim of ensuring that EU citizens benefit from the right of freedom movement regardless of how the epidemiological situation when it comes to COVID changes.

Apart from extending the validity of the certificate until the 30th of June 2023, the changes will also enable member states to grant test certificates based on new types of antigen tests. Amendments to the proposal stress that member states should avoid additional restrictions of freedom of movement unless absolutely necessary.

MEPs insist that if restrictions are needed, they should be limited and proportionate based on the latest evidence from the ECDC and EU Health Security Committee.

The use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate was first adopted in June of 2021 to facilitate free movement for a limited period of 12 months. The decision to open negotiations will be announced at the opening of this week’s plenary session in Strasbourg.

#MaltaDaily

Chicken could become as expensive as beef warn experts

May 2 2022

The cost of chicken is increasing to the extent that experts are warning how it could become more expensive than beef.

Due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the cost of chicken feed means that what used to be considered one of the most affordable meats is now rising in price faster than any proteins.

Chicken feed is mostly made from soya, sunflower meal and wheat, and the production of such foodstuffs took a massive hit due to Russia and Ukraine being two of the biggest exporters of sunflower oil and wheat.

Chief executive of Co-op Steve Murrells warned how the days of cheap chicken breasts could be coming to an end. ‘The chicken industry has particular challenges because of the feed costs’ he said.

This comes as other foodstuffs also experience sudden soaring, with even local pastizzi increasing by 10c in just these few months. Times of Malta had previously reported how suppliers are being faced with take-it-or-leave-it situations, with customers starting to complain more and more.

Just today, Malta’s Finance Minister Clyde Caruana confirmed that a government spending review is underway to mitigate the impact of energy subsidies on public finances. The review comes as the government remains committed to keeping energy and fuel prices stable as oil and gas prices soar.

#MaltaDaily

€402,338 raised by Labour Party in fundraiser

May 2 2022

The Labour Party raised a whopping €402,338 in donations during a fund-raising telethon this Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Robert Abela thanked all those who donated to the party, saying that they will go to strengthen it as it worked to help people ‘fulfil their aspirations.’

Marking the end of the Labour Party general conference, Abela was reconfirmed as leader by party delegates and went on to promise prosperity in the coming months after the party won a landslide victory in the March general election.

#MaltaDaily

UPDATE: No more masks and other COVID measures eased

May 2 2022

As of today, Monday 2nd May 2022, masks are no longer needed inside shops, restaurants and other such establishments. Masks remain mandatory only in hospitals, clinics, elderly care homes as well as on flights or at the airport.

When it comes to travelling, the Passenger Locator Form has also been removed for all arrivals. Weddings and events have gone back to normal as well following a two-year hiatus.

Seven day quarantines have been reduced to positive cases. Primary and secondary contacts are no longer required to quarantine.

Health Minister Chris Fearne also announced this weekend that the invitation for the second booster dose of the vaccine will be issued to over-65s soon, but it will be voluntary for anyone who wishes to add an ‘extra layer of protection.’

#MaltaDaily