Malta aiming to vaccinate 85% of population as Delta variant raises concerns

Jun 30 2021

Following concerns raised by the more transmissible Delta variant, Malta’s health authorities raise the aim of vaccinating 70% of the population to 85%. The Delta variant, formerly known as the Indian variant, accounts for most of the latest COVID-19 spikes in several countries around the world as it is easily transmitted and far more dangerous. Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne announced the news and also revealed that 81.5% of the population is already vaccinated with at least one dose.

73% of the population is already fully vaccinated. The variant however resulted in the aim being readjusted in order to avoid hospitalisation, death and overall spread. The Delta variant is reported to infect two out of three persons, whereas the original COVID-19 virus infects two out of five and the UK variant two out of four.

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB

Glitch Festival confirm some big names for 2022 edition

Jun 30 2021

One of Malta’s biggest festivals has announced its new line-up and it includes big names such as I Hate Models, Fatima Yamaha, Mall Grab, Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock and Honey Dijon for the 2022 festival. Following two years of disappointing cancellations, the fifth edition is set to make up for lost time with some of the biggest names in music.

The team behind Glitch Festival announced that ‘we’ll have to wait longer than we hoped for, but our 2022 line-up is worth the wait. From rooftop pool parties to secret cave raves, boat party mayhem and our biggest line-up to date! More artists to be announced.’ The festival will take place between the 13th and 16th of August 2022, and the ever-evolving line up seems worth the wait.

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Photo Source: Glitch Festival FB

Very good weekend for Gozo’s tourism industry

Jun 30 2021

Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat informed The Malta Independent that Gozo’s tourism industry experienced a ‘very good’ long weekend. Following the heavy and negative impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the EU Member states, Malta’s tourism industry suffered the hardest blow when compared to the previous year with an 80%. This information was revealed through a Eurostat statistic, with data also showing that overall European tourism plummeted to 61% due to COVID-19.

With many taking a day leave to enjoy a long weekend, many made their way to Gozo to enjoy their free time. Muscat added that ‘we can only hope that Gozo will continue having busy weekends like this one as the island’s tourism sector really needs it.’ Many people are still weary of travelling abroad and so opt to travelling to Gozo, essentially boosting the sister island’s tourist economy.

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Photo Source: Oliver’s Travels

Punishment slashed for former drug addict turned role model

Jun 30 2021

Walter Desira, 44, had his imprisonment sentence slashed after turning his life around and away from his drug addiction. A father of two, Desira reached out for help from Caritas and turned his life around. In 2017, he was declared guilty of cultivating cannabis and possession of resin, condemned to a 20 month jail sentence along with a €3,000 fine.

Assessed regularly by a review board and cooperating fully during rehabilitation, Desira was viewed as a role model by other victims through the ‘giving back’ programme. Desira also worked to make his job a success along with making up for lost family time. Following the evidence of rehabilitation, the sentence was lowered to a six-month term suspended for two years, with the fine slashed to €600.

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Photo Source: Kamra tal-Periti