Malta with the highest booster shot rollout and lowest hospitalisations in EU

Jan 11 2022

Malta registered the fastest COVID-19 booster rollout among the European Union members on Monday 10th January 2022.

According to the latest figures posted on Saħħa’s Facebook page, Malta also ranked just above the UK, Ireland and Israel in terms of vaccine boosters administered per 100 people.

Among the lowest are Latvia (at the bottom), followed by Slovakia and Poland.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne took to social media to announce Malta’s highest booster and lowest hospitalisation rates in all of Europe.

He quoted the data to highlight how the booster works and encouraged everyone to take their jab when it’s their turn.

As of yesterday, 1,133,334 doses of the vaccine were administered, 278,153 of which were all boosters. This also comes amidst a significant spike in cases, with active cases ranking at 14,053.

However, Malta only has 7 people out of 131 hospitalised people in Intensive Care Units. Malta also registered 542 recoveries yesterday 10th January 2022, with one death bringing up the total to 489.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Chamber of SMEs calls for end of quarantine for contacts & 5 days for positive cases

Jan 10 2022

The Malta Chamber of SMEs has called for the end of required quarantine for vaccinated individuals who come into contact with positive cases. They have also proposed a reduced quarantine of 5 days for people who test positive.

Symptomatic people would be required to remain at home until they are free of symptoms and a minimum of 24 hours after they last register a fever. These same individuals would not need to be tested for COVID-19 before exiting quarantine. These proposals come as a result of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and while stating that the Chamber has “no intention of doing the health authorities’ job,” they have remarked that such rules have disrupted business to a point of detriment.

The Chamber also highlighted that the WHO warned the public not let their guard down since the Omicron variant is spreading dangerously fast, appealing to the authorities to remain adamant on regulation and quarantine enforcement.

What do you make of this?

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s airport calls for change to vaccine certificate regulations

Jan 10 2022

In a new statement, Malta International Airport urged health authorities to reconsider the new vaccine certificate rules which are set to come into effect next week.

The statement said that the regulations put an unnecessary burden on Maltese residents, putting the airport as well at a significant disadvantages to others in the EU.

As of January 17th, Malta plans on making its vaccine certificates valid for only three months from the second dose instead of the nine month period set out by the European Commission.

The three month rule has come under fire from the EU, which stated that it breaches its rules. For those who had the booster shot, a nine-month period will be given until the certificate expires.

The statement said that given how Malta is the only member state which shortened the validity period of certificates, the Superintendent for Public Health has imposed ‘an unnecessary hurdle for Maltese residents to travel, together with undermining consumer confidence for the tourism industry during this already very challenging winter period.’

The MIA urged authorities to halt the introduction of these ‘unnecessary’ and ‘haphazard’ restrictions as they go against the ‘spirit of the European Union to facilitate free movement.’

#MaltaDaily

5 ways to ease yourself into a vegan lifestyle

Jan 10 2022

As the new year picks up it’s pace, many might be considering a massive leap towards a new diet or lifestyle. And for many, the vegan diet has been an intriguing concept. Whether it’s for health or philosophical reasons, veganism is undoubtedly picking up popularity.

However, it might seem quite daunting for someone trying to test the waters but fears they will not manage to adjust to it as well as they hope. But fear not, we have you covered. Here are five ways you can approach it before completely taking the plunge you’ve been waiting for.

Tip 1: Taste Tests

‘But what will I eat?’- This question is a very fair one. Transitioning from juicy steaks to a diet where those are absent might seem impossible.

But start off by introducing vegan options to your meals. Maybe substitute some animal-based products here and there 3 times a week or get used to the taste of vegan foods. This way, it might not come as too much of a shock when you completely make the shift.

Tip 2: Get Testimonies!

Whether it’s that friend who’s been vegan for 2 years already or a health specialist who focuses on this specific diet, getting second-hand accounts as to the benefits of veganism can help you transition.

Of course, you’re not guaranteed that everyone will endorse the lifestyle 100%. You might encounter someone who decided to go back on it. But community and support are crucial for such big decisions!

Tip 3: Meet animals!

Go out and volunteer in some shelters and see first hand which species you’ll be helping with your decision! Visit a couple of farms and see that, no, animals aren’t purposefully made to be on your plate. They are wonderful beings worthy of love and well-being.

Tip 4: Philosophy can be fun – and life-saving!

‘Don’t you miss chicken nuggets and bacon?’ – A question that pops up way too often but can be easily answered with, ‘Yes, but it isn’t about me.’

It’s perfectly understandable to turn vegan purely for health reasons. But extending your well of knowledge to consider what happens during the entire process which leads to a piece of meat to end up on your plate can raise your consideration of the world at large tenfold. For starters, consider reading Peter Singer’s ‘Animal Liberation.’

Tip 5: It’s not an absolute decision

This shouldn’t be deemed as an excuse to be a ‘vegan by name, wild omnivore by action’, but know that your decision is not set in some absolute stone.

You can slip up, take your time, pause it for health reasons, etc. We’re human trying to make lives, ours and those of other beings, better. A slip up or two is expected. But the effort is already contributing towards at least, more awareness!

Bonus tip: Set mini challenges for yourself. Consider turning vegan for a week at a time and see how it goes. Then extend it to two weeks… then three. Before you know it you won’t even notice the transition happened in its entirety.

#MaltaDaily