Maltese considered as first language by 97% of population

Jun 24 2021

97% of Maltese adults with citizenship consider Maltese as their first language. A survey published Thursday and as reported by The Malta Independent saw the participation of around 1,025 people between the ages of 18 and 80. The survey was carried out by the National Council for the Maltese Language and the Department of Maltese within the University of Malta in collaboration with the National Statistics Office.

Maltese was found to have remained prevalent when considering that a lot of communication is being done in English. 7% of the respondents stated they spent over 5 years living abroad in English-speaking countries. Despite being a bilingual country, Maltese use remains strong even in youths. This is a positive sign for the future.

A majority thought that governmental websites and pamphlets should be published in both Maltese and English. English was found to be preferred over Maltese in very restricted scenarios, such as writing formal letters, emails, card writings, book reading and listening music. Half of the respondents said they speak Maltese only on the workplace, with 4% stating they speak exclusively English.

75% of the respondents said they speak to their children in Maltese (as opposed to English speaking 5%). 64% said they attend theatre productions held only in Maltese and 80% thought Maltese music should be given more airtime on local radio stations. Interestingly enough, 57% agreed Maltese was easier to speak and understand than English.

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Photo Source: iStock

One time €1,000 grant for businesses affected by pandemic announced

Jun 24 2021

Enterprises and Sustainable Development Minister Miriam Dalli announced that businesses may apply from tomorrow for a one time grant of €1,000 as assistance for the impact made by the pandemic. With many businesses struggling due to the pandemic’s unfortunate consequences, the Minister stated that another scheme relating to rents will be put into effect. This scheme will be granting businesses up to 50% of the rent, according to the size of their businesses.

More schemes were announced however as another relates to an incentive on electricity bills between June and August which will also see a refund of up to 50% of the bill. Malta Enterprise chief executive Kurt Farrugia said that the schemes are intended to assist struggling businesses and companies in order to recover as soon as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Miriam Dalli revealed that the schemes amount to an €12 million investment as part of the Government’s economic regeneration plan.

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Photo Source: Miriam Dalli FB

Precautionary measures against heatwave issued by Health Authority

Jun 24 2021

A number of precautionary measures have been issued by the Directorate for the Promotion of Health and Disease Prevention as a scorching heat wave hits the Maltese islands. The health authorities pointed out how the heatwave will last until at least Saturday with maximum temperatures expected to reach between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. The heat may cause the body to lose a lot of water quickly and thus maintaining hydration is immensely important.

Heatstroke is also a possible side effect due to the high temperatures. Caused by loss of water and salt through sweating, symptoms including feeling weak, ill or fainting, getting headaches, muscle cramps and excessive thirst. Some of the precautions issued include staying away from the heat when sunlight is at its peak (between 11 am – 4pm), closing curtains in rooms facing the sun, avoiding drinks which cause thirst such as soft drinks and hot beverages, and avoiding physical activity during heat peaks.

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Photo Source: ABC7 New York

Close to 300,000 people fully vaccinated in Malta

Jun 24 2021

Malta has fully vaccinated 299,151 people, bringing the total close to 300,000. This translates to around 68% of the total population. 640,729 doses have been administered ever since the jab became a prominent weapon against the COVID-19 pandemic. With 353,895 doses being first jabs (81%), Malta continues one of the best vaccine rollout programmes seen globally.

Malta ranked 3rd best in terms of global vaccine rollout per 100 people, just after Gibraltar and United Arab Emirates. With vaccination rollout extending to younger ages, Malta’s programme of jab administering earned it herd immunity on the 24th of May 2021 when 70% of the adult population received at least its first dose. The vaccination programme remains the most effective weapon against the pandemic and thus health authorities encourage everyone eligible to get the jab to do so to continue to mitigate the spread.

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB