European Union ramps up vaccination efforts to beat back COVID-19 spike

Apr 22 2021

With the one shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine adding to the momentum, the European Union has ramped up COVID-19 vaccination efforts in order to curb a spike in cases. Comparatively, the EU lags far behind the US and UK in its total of vaccinated citizens, with only 1 in 5 of the bloc’s 450 million inhabitants having received their first jab.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has been approved for use after being halted due to blood clot rumours, will play a pivotal role due to it being a one shot vaccine. France has administered at least one dose to all of its 700,000 nursing home residents. Other countries, including Italy and Netherlands, are pressing ahead with plans to start dispensing Johnson & Johnson shots. With many hospitals in the EU under immense pressure, the vaccine rollout will be crucial in mitigation and easing of strains.

#MaltaDaily

New research reassures pregnant women getting their vaccine

Apr 22 2021

New preliminary results from reports which included over 35,000 US women show that vaccination during pregnancy is safe. Further research is needed but the current results so far indicate that vaccination does not negatively impact the health of either the mother or the child in the womb. The women received either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, and the rates of miscarriage, premature birth and any other complications were comparable to those observed before the pandemic.

The new evidence was published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and gathered by the federal Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. No woman received the one shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to it becoming available after the study was conducted. Another American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said that, despite results being promising, further research and long term follow up is necessary.

#MaltaDaily

Destiny’s ‘Je Me Casse’ in a new acoustic version with Kevin Paul Calleja

Apr 22 2021

Destiny’s Je Me Casse is already making rounds as a possible Eurovision 2021 victor, with its energetic rhythm and catchy tune. And now we are treated to a new acoustic version of the song accompanied by Kevin Paul Calleja on guitar. Performing during Eurovoix’s Concert in the Dark, which saw several artists who will be performing their song during the song contest in Rotterdam, the two played off each others talent with exquisite skill.

Their harmony together is something one has to hear to believe. Destiny is facing some tough competition in this 2021 edition of the song contest, but if the comments and online response to song is anything to go by, Je Me Casse seems to be moving closer and closer towards a big win for Malta.

#MaltaDaily

MHRA suggests restaurants open as of next Monday

Apr 22 2021

Due to the pandemic’s effect on restaurants and the overall economy, the Malta Hotels and Restaurant Association (MHRA) issued a statement requesting the government to open restaurants, including those in hotels, on Monday 26th. Being one of the businesses hit the worst by the pandemic, the MHRA is calling for the reopening so as to safeguard the financial and personal livelihoods of all business owners.

With tourism set to restart by the beginning of June, restaurants would play a crucial role in Malta’s economy. But the employers and employees within restaurants are suffering immensely, with many taking to social media to specify exactly how much damage the closing has done. Managing reopening will of course be vital so as to avoid any spike in cases, but the necessity of reopening for the owners involved is crucial.

#MaltaDaily

Featured Photo: Photo Source: MHRA FB, Asmussen