Italy to require COVID-19 passes for all workers as of 15 October

Sep 17 2021

Under a decree adopted by Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government, Italian workers in both public and private sectors will have to display a health pass to access their work place. This is the first instance in which a major European economy adopts such measures, including a recent negative virus test or recovery from COVID-19 in the previous six months for all workers. Health Minister Roberto Speranza described the green pass as an instrument of freedom which will make workplaces safer.

The measures will also, as Italian authorities are hoping, encourage the vaccine campaign. Italy’s 2 trillion Euro economy is the third largest in the European Union and the measure underscores the determination by the government to avoid another lockdown. This comes as the number of cases seems to be shooting up, mostly among the unvaccinated.

Workers face fines of up to €1,500 and employers up to €1000 if they do not comply with these regulations. Public sector employees may even risk suspension if they rack up five absences of a Green Pass. Private sector workers can be suspended after their first failure to do so. These measures will remain in effect as long as Italy is in a state of emergency (with this forecasted to last until December 31st).

Italy surpassed the amount of 80% of eligible population having received at least one dose of the vaccine this month. Three quarters of the population, some 40.5 million people, have been fully inoculated. The Green Pass requirement covers 14.7 million private sector workers and 3.2 million in state-supported jobs.

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Photo Source: USNews, BBC

Watch: Reece James’ medals stolen whilst playing Champions league match

Sep 17 2021

Yesterday, Reece James announced on his Instagram that whilst playing for Chelsea in the Champions League, his house was robbed by ‘cowardly robbers’. James announced that the thieves broke into a heavy safe containing his football medals, including his Champions League medal, Super Cup medal and Euros 2020 runners up medal.

🤬🤬🤬😢😢😢

How armed robbers carted away Reece James’ Champions League, Super Cup, and Euro 2020 medals while he was playing Zenith St. Petersburg in the UCL.

Take heart @reecejames_24 pic.twitter.com/2ecfqbEfP4

— onejoblessboy (@OneJoblessBoy) September 16, 2021

In his Instagram post, the right back had this to say “On the evening of the 14th of September 2021 when I was playing for my club in the return of the Champions League, a group of cowardly robbers broke into my house.” he also confirmed that “They managed to collectively lift a heavy safe containing some personal items of mine into their car”. and “I never keep any jewellery of mine in my house so all that was contained in the safe were my Champions League winners medal and Super Cup winners medal and the runners up medal for the Euro 2020.”

Reece also confirmed that, with the aid of others, he will catch the people responsible for this crime saying “The police, my advisers and Chelsea FC (and many others) are all behind me as we have firm leads on who the perpetrators are. We are closing in on them. ” He also assured his fans that no one was present at the time of the crime “Luckily, no one was present during the break in but I want to let all of you know I am safe and well.”

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A post shared by Reece James (@reecejames)

We hope that the criminals will quickly be brought to justice and that Reece will be reunited with his medals.

#MaltaDaily

Better pensions and doubling of VAT-exempt threshold proposed by PN

Sep 17 2021

The Nationalist Party has come out with a couple of new proposals should it be elected to government. Kicking off the Opposition Party’s proposals is guaranteeing a sustainable pension system which will address the alarming poverty rate amongst the elderly. A self-sustainable pension system and good quality jobs are being proposed by the party, along with ways to incentivise current and future generations to explore additional pension income sources.

Deputy leader David Agius stated that the proposals reflect forecasts for Maltese demographics in the next 50 years. Another proposition will see to provide and incentivise diverse solutions for the pensioners of tomorrow in order to help them save up and invest during their working years.

Continuing with their proposals, opposition leader Bernard Grech proposed doubling the current VAT-exempt threshold from €30,000 to €60,000 in order to simplify bureaucracy at the source. During an Msida Q&A session, the party leader said that with him as future Prime Minister, people will carry less of a burden because there won’t be VAT to collect and pay.

The current threshold racks at €30,000, which means that anyone who earns below that amount per year his exempt from having to collect and pay VAT. Grech’s proposal would see professionals and SME’s registering income at above the aforementioned amount but less than €60,000 will be exempt from collecting VAT.

Grech stated that this measure would serve to tackle rising living coasts as it seeks to help people move forward to grow businesses, invest more and earn more.

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Photo Source: Bernard Grech FB, The Independent

Beloved Maltese gelateria Sottozero opening in Birgu

Sep 17 2021

One of Malta’s most beloved gelaterias ‘Sottozero’ will be opening a new branch in the south of Malta in Birgu. The opening was first teased without the location reveal, amping up excitement for the lovers of Sottozero’s fresh and cool ice-creams.

Now, Birgu locals and all those on the hunt for some delicious scoops or cones can make their way to their new outlet. Birgu will be joining Bugibba and Sliema in serving up the range of around 120 flavours on constant rotation.

The store will also be packing all the lactose-free, vegan and fat-free ice cream choices, as well as the fresh fruit granitas. There’s something for everyone, and its not just ice cream as the gelato factory offers everything from croissants to mouth watering crepes!

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