Lockdown for all unvaccinated in Austria as cases surge

Nov 12 2021

Austria’s government is planning to impose a strict lockdown on specifically unvaccinated individuals as COVID-19 cases soar. It is one of the most contentious measures in Europe as it tries to contain the pandemic. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg spoke at a press conference on Friday, saying that the federal government wants a nation-wide lockdown for those who have not been jabbed. This is set to apply from Monday, with Austrians who have so far rejected the jab are expecting an uncomfortable Christmas.

‘I don’t see why two-thirds of the population should lose their freedom because another third hesitates’ said the Chancellor. Unvaccinated people are already banned from restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Details are still not unveiled, but officials say measures would mirror harsh lockdown restrictions seen during Austria’s last autumn and spring.

This means the unjabbed will b ordered to leave their homes only once a day for a short period for essential reasons. Police wold also be deployed to conduct spot checks to check vaccination status. Hefty fines will be given to rule breakers. Austrian state governors are set to meet on Sunday to hash out the details. Was does this mean for the future of the unvaccinated world wide? Will other countries be inclined to try something similar.

Malta has so far managed to inoculate most of its population, but keeping the epidemiological context in line is very tricky. Around 33.6% of Austrians have yet to take the vaccine – one of the lowest rates in the EU. It also recorded one of the highest infection numbers since the start of the pandemic this week.

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‘I’ve had breakdowns and burnouts’ – Bella Hadid opens up about mental health

Nov 12 2021

In an Instagram post addressed to her 47 million followers, supermodel Bella Hadid spoke out about her mental health and all the ‘burnouts’ she’s experienced.

The 25-year-old has previously spoken about battling severe depression and anxiety ever since she was a teenager. This time, she responded to a Willow Smith view about insecurity. She stated that Willow’s words made her feel less alone.

‘Social media is not real. For anyone struggling, please remember that. Sometimes all you’ve got to hear is that you’re not alone.’

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

She shared a clip from Willow’s video alongside a series of photos of herself, crying and showing the real side of what it means to battle mental health issues.

‘If you work hard enough on yourself, spending time alone to understand your traumas, triggers, joys, and routine, you will always be able to understand or learn more about your own pain and how to handle it.’

She shared support for all her fans, telling them that it does get better.

Meta (previously Facebook) has come under fire for being one of the more dangerous platforms due to hate and social comparison, Hadid’s message is a light in the dark for many struggling with such issues.

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Here’s how you can win prizes by helping save the planet

Nov 12 2021

The European Week for Waste Reduction is back.

Held between 20 and 28 November, this week-long event invites schools, public administrations, companies, NGOs and European citizens to come forward with initiatives and projects which aim to reduce, reuse and recycle waste while also raising awareness about better waste management.

This yearly initiative brings together different stakeholders to promote awareness on sustainable resources and waste management across the continent.

This year’s theme ‘Circular Communities’ calls for participants to come up with actions to reduce, reuse and recycle waste with the mantra that collective efforts lead to better results. This is why the EWWR is encouraging communities to roll up their sleeves and work together towards one common goal: waste prevention.

Be part of this European initiative and register here by 15 November. Participation is open to private companies, public entities, associations, NGOs, schools and individuals.

Those that take part in the European Week for Waste Reduction will then have the opportunity to participate in the Malta Waste Reduction Awards, where the best actions that took place in Malta will be awarded.

Prospective applicants may view the rules of participation online.

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This is what the Pink October – Movember ’21 Campaign is all about

Nov 12 2021

Since 2014, The Marigold Foundation has been offering valuable support to thousands across the Maltese islands through awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts and on-the-ground successes and this year is no different.

Spearheaded by The Marigold Foundation, the Pnk Oct_Mov ’21 Campaign stretches over 2 months and urges individuals to rise against their fear of getting checked for cancer and openly address these common health problems. The campaign aims to educate the public on the need to self check, regularly screening so as to facilitate early diagnosis. Whilst promoting better overall healthy attitudes and wellness, it maximises therapeutic opportunities and health education. Pnk Oct_Mov supports patients battling a cancer challenge and also champions other NGOs that support patients, develop ideas and new approaches. The Campaign also funds ongoing research at the University of Malta.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women all over the world, with around 300 women in Malta diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Healthy lifestyle choices such as balanced nutritious diets, regular physical activity and avoiding alcohol and tobacco are recommended to lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Being aware of what to feel and look for as well as reporting any changes to medical professionals is recommended. Signs can include lumps or hard knots, dimples, areas of thickened skin and nipple discharge.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms that are similar to other more common and less serious conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose early. Symptoms include long-lasting bloated or swollen tummy, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, pain in the lower tummy area or back and passing urine more often and urgently than usual. Other symptoms include changes in bowel habits, dramatic weight changes and unexplained or extreme tiredness (fatigue). Regular gynae reviews and medical advice are recommended if symptoms persist.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix. Symptoms include heavier periods than usual, vaginal bleeding between periods, vaginal bleeding after sex, vaginal bleeding after the menopause as well as smelly vaginal discharge, urine infections that keep coming back and pain in the lower tummy or back. Yearly smear tests for older adults and regular smears for young ladies are recommended. Young teenagers should take up the free cervical cancer vaccine too!

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men with about 210 being diagnosed per year. The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age and not everyone experiences symptoms. If one has a family history, is aged over 50, is a heavy smoker or experiences a sudden worsening in passing urine, a prostate check is highly recommended. One should note that most symptoms men experience with the urine stream are NOT due to prostate cancer but due to a normal process of prostate growth.

Testicular Cancer

Cancer of the testes usually affects men between 15 and 49 years. At the same time each month, check for any change in the normal look or feel of your testicles and look for swelling or lumps, change in weight, shape or size and feelings of pain. One can check by having a warm shower, rolling out and checking for lumps.

For more information about this campaign you may visit their Facebook or Instagram or donate:

About The Marigold Foundation

Launched in 2014 and supported by the Bank of Valletta (BOV), The Marigold Foundation offers valuable support wherever it is needed. It is both voluntary and non-profit making.

The Marigold Foundation works with other NGOs to raise awareness about issues and causes in our community. For more information about their work and to support the causes you may visit their Facebook or Instagram or donate:

Call
51702052 – €15
51802053 – €25

SMS
50619238 – €11.65

IBAN
MT59VALL22013000000040023572180

BOV Mobile Pay
99912373 – up to €500

Payable by cheque
PNK OCT MOV ’21

58, Zachary Street
Valletta, Malta

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