ITU COVID-19 admissions decrease by half

Apr 1 2021

The number of ITU admissions due to COVID-19 has decreased by half in a week. Superintendent for Health Charmaine Gauci stated in a COVID-19 bulletin that the numbers decreased from 32 to 15 and that the pressure exerted onto the medical and health system in Malta is currently being eased off.

Another positive outcome is that the vaccine is having its desired effects as the number of people over 80 entering hospital for medical assistance is decreasing. Charmaine Gauci however stated that there is still much more work to be done to mitigate the virus and that the public should observe the measures these upcoming festivities. With less than 100 cases registered daily for about a week, it shows the health measures put in effect are working and that given the right adherence to measures, the situation can improve if everyone is careful.

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Ongoing trials show Pfizer vaccine remains highly effective after 6 months

Apr 1 2021

The ongoing clinical trial of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, currently in Phase 3, confirms its protection lasts at least 6 months after the second dose. The question of the length of protection thanks to a vaccine can only be answered once enough time has passed. 6 months is longer than previously known and thus the studies continue to check for future updates.

The vaccine remains to be 91% effective against disease with any symptoms for six months, the companies stated. It also confirmed the safety against the South African variant of the virus which was previously feared to have developed protection against most vaccines. The vaccines was 100% effective against severe disease and 95.3% effective against severe COVID-19 as defined by the US FDA.

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Parents to receive financial aid due to school closure

Apr 1 2021

A temporary financial supplement due to COVID-19 will be given to all those parents whose children are under 16 or suffer from a sever disability by the end of the week. As many parents could not continue working because of schools closing down, the supplement will be given to those parents who are using their unpaid leave in order to help them raise their children.

The Ministry for Solidarity and Social Justice, Family and Children’s rights stated that by Saturday, around 600 families out of a confirmed 732 will be paid said supplement. The expense will be higher than a quarter of a million Euros. Applications are still being filled in, with the amount going over 1,200.

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COVID-19 victims remembered in Holy Week installation in Ghajnsielem

Apr 1 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it the loss of many loved ones. Ghaqda Armar Ghajnsielem commemorated all of the victims of the pandemic in a breath-taking installation on Gozo church’s parapet stairs. The installation was called ‘The Cross, Jesus and You’, and included 800 crosses constructed from recycled wood. The whole instalment is lit up in violet after sunset, representing Lent.

Is-Salib, Ġesù u Int L-idea ta’ din l-installazzjoni hija li ngħaqqdu r-realtà u s-sitwazzjoni li qed ngħixu bħalissa…

Posted by Għaqda Armar Għajnsielem on Wednesday, 17 March 2021

The 394 victims of the virus were symbolised by crosses painted white. As Easter sees its celebration under a semi-lockdown to mitigate the spread for the second year in a row, the project directed by Ghajnsielem deputy mayor Franco Ciangura symbolises the cross all the Maltese are carrying as we make our way through these difficult times together.

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