Gozo Channel operating through South Quay due to strong winds

Apr 16 2021

Malta is currently experiencing very strong winds which are affecting the normal Gozo Channel operations. Gozo Channel Operations Limited stated on Facebook that ‘due to strong winds and currents, Gozo Channel operations are operating through the South Quay in Cirkewwa.’

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=3673117112816796&id=561379183990620

Such strong winds normally affect travel around the island, and with winds reportedly reaching up to 40 km/h, it is expected for the Gozo Channel to alter its normal operating service. Access between Malta and Gozo is already restricted due to COVID-19 restrictions, allowing only those who have work responsibilities or residences on the island to travel.

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Malta’s contact tracing app to work in 16 European countries

Apr 16 2021

Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci has announced that Malta’s COVID-19 contact tracing app will be operable in 16 European countries. The 16 countries agreed to this operation in order to make travelling much safer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tracing app works via bluetooth in the background of one’s mobile phone. Should a person test positive for COVID-19, they can submit a code into the app which will alert people who had come into contact through the same app.

The 16 countries who agreed to the use of this technology are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Poland and Spain. The use of the app is completely up to the individual to decide, and all details are confidential. Just over 20% of the public have downloaded the app in Malta alone.

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Study finds one in five restaurants closed down during pandemic

Apr 16 2021

A new study has found that approximately one in five restaurants has had to close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) stated on Friday that between March 2020 and March 2021, around 19% of establishments closed down, along with another 12% of restaurant owners who put their operation up for sale.

The situation for restaurants and bars has caused an outcry for a plan of reopening by authorities as many owners are suffering financially and emotionally due to the lockdown. Some sources have hinted at an opening by mid-May, but no date is official so far. The ACE is calling for government to allow for the reopening, issue vouchers and maintain a full wage supplement until the end of 2021.

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No COVID-19 clusters in schools after reopening

Apr 16 2021

Addressing questions during a COVID-19 media briefing, Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci stated that there have been no clusters of COVID-19 identified in schools. The reopening of schools was part of the authorities’ plan to ease the measures and return to normalcy alongside the vaccine rollout.

Asked about restaurants and sports, Professor Gauci stated that the dates will be announced following a re-evaluation of the situation. For now, restaurants will remain closed and sports not allowed. The vaccine rollout continues effectively and a decrease in daily cases and hospital admissions has been noted, showing the efficacy of measures put in place.

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