Government COVID costs amounted to €900 million in 2020

Feb 24 2021

An approximate €900 million has been the COVID-19 pandemic cost toll for the Maltese government.

According to Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, the deficit for 2020 is foresighted to overreach 9.4%. The figure amounting to €1.22 billion as stated in last October’s budget speech, Caruana claimed these are provisional calculations.

With 2021 getting a 5.9% deficit projection, approximately €751 million, Caruana also stated that the government will be taking the necessary precautions to safeguard employment. Deficit projections will thus have to be revised over the upcoming weeks and months.

#MaltaDaily

Apple’s iPhone ranks first yet again

Feb 24 2021

With 80 million in 2020’s last three months sold, Apple makes it back to the ranking of global smartphone. Overtaking Samsung who held its place since 2016, Apple saw its rise to the top with the release of the iPhone 12 in late 2020.

The iPhone 12 brings novice to the models, along with Apple paying homage to previous editions. The positive reviews rolled in alongside the 5G iPhone 12, with lead analyst Annette Zimmerman claiming that 15% of Apple’s sales in Q4 2020 benefited from the 5G iPhone’s re-release.

With both Samsung and even Huawei taking a back seat, Apple’s success seems to have been predictable due to the company’s multiple and rigorous launchings.

#MaltaDaily

75 to 80 year olds begin receiving call for vaccination

Feb 24 2021

With the pandemic still rampant, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne has recently stated on the television show Pjazza that the invites will be sent for those between 75 and 80 years old.

In 15 days time, the age group will start to be vaccinated and Mater Dei Hospital is carrying out approximately 1000 vaccinations everyday.

Almost all persons above 85 years of age have been given the vaccine and those remaining are due to mobility restrictions.

Fearne also stated that very few people refused the vaccine as the number of vaccines handed out today should overcome the 70, 000.

#MaltaDaily

Plans for 33-storey-tower in Paceville submitted to Planning Authority

Feb 24 2021

PX Lettings have just submitted plans to the Planning Authority for a 33-storey tower to be built in Paceville.

The tower will take the place of multiple derelict buildings in Triq Santu Wistin and Triq Elija Zammit and will occupy around 1,100 square metres in the area and will feature a publicly-available “open plaza”.

Apart from residential blocks, the tower will also have a business centre, retail stores and restaurants and will reportedly utilise modern technology with the aim of maintaining environmental sustainability.

#MaltaDaily