Malta in global top 10 in COVID-19 cases per capita

Mar 9 2021

Monday saw Malta recorded as sixth highest country with number of positive COVID-19 cases per capita in the world. The rankings came from the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Malta reported a total of 1,997 cases over last week, making it 433.3 per 100,000 of the population. The list was topped by Caribbean island Saint Barthelemy with its population of 10,000.

Malta ranked higher than Lebanon, Hungary and Serbia. Figures were calculated from data submitted to WHO, as Malta had the 21st highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in the last seven day. In death rankings, Malta placed just below the US. New measures were thus implemented as Malta continues to battle the pandemic with vaccine roll-outs and restrictions.

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Education staff outcry for COVID-19 vaccinations timeline

Mar 9 2021

Education staff are concerned as they have not yet received appointments for vaccination. Schools are thus demanding a clear plan on rolling out vaccinations for the ‘forgotten’ teachers which have not yet revived their jabs. Director of Educational Mission Stephen Cachia has stated that De La Salle College has nearly 300 staff member which have not received appointments.

The unnecessary stress and tension is being caused mainly due to the teacher’s direct contact with students. Most church and independent schools have also not yet received invitations for vaccination. The tension seems to heighten due to the fact that schools will remain open instead of shifting to an online learning system and thus contact with other staff and students will be necessary.

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China introduces virus passports

Mar 9 2021

China has just launched virus passports as part of its health certificate programme. Domestic travellers now use digital certificates which show a user’s vaccination status and the test results. Available on a Chinese social media platform WeChat which was launched on Monday, the certificates are being implemented to ease the pressure on the economy and travel that the pandemic is creating.

The certificates are not yet mandatory and are available only by Chinese citizens. However, this is a big step towards safe travelling during the pandemic, with the USA and Britain considering implementing similar permits. Some citizens however have raised concerns over privacy concerns due to the app’s location tracking.

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Switzerland to ban Burqa from being worn in public places

Mar 9 2021

Switzerland has recently voted for banning Muslim women from wearing the burqa in public places. This decision follows from countries like France, Belgium and Austria after years of discussion. Referendum results for March 7th, 2021 show that the voting has gained a narrow majority of 51%.

Public places which fall under this new voting rule will include shopping malls or even open countryside. Places of worship or ‘native customs’ will be the exceptions to the rule. Switzerland’s parliament are reportedly opposed to the referendum proposal, instead proposing an initiative that involves lifting the veil when confirming identity to officials.

#MaltaDaily