New education minister’s main focus is to open schools; to hold deciding meetings in coming days

Dec 28 2021

In his first few days as the newly-appointed education minister, Clifton Grima will hold a number of decisive meetings on whether or not schools should open after the Christmas holiday period.

With a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the community, Grima will hold two meetings with all of the relevant stakeholders, assess and decide whether or not schools will open.

The new minister did tell MaltaToday however, that his main focus is reopening schools. He will hold a meeting with the health authorities to analyse the breakdown of the virus and vaccine distribution in Malta, with the second meeting to be held next week where a decision will be taken.

Should schools open after the holidays?

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30-year-old man from Birkirkara dies after falling from bastions in Valletta

Dec 28 2021

A 30-year-old man from Birkirkara lost his life on Monday after falling from a bastion in the Hastings Garden area in Valletta.

The Malta Police Force was notified of a body in St. Jacob’s Ditch in Valletta at around 6.15pm, to which they headed to the scene to investigate. A medical team was called on site but unfortunately the man was certified dead.

An eye-witness told Television Malta that the man was seated on the bastions before slipping and falling into the ditch. Magistrate Elaine Mercieca has been notified of the case while police investigations are currently under way.

May he Rest in Peace.

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Work-from-home and no standing in bars amongst new COVID-19 measures in France

Dec 28 2021

In an attempt to shield the country from the Omicron COVID-19 variant and mitigate the spread of the virus, French authorities have imposed a number of new COVID-19 measures in the country.

Amongst other measures, companies have been advised to impose three work-from-home days per week while France’s “health pass,” which is needed to access multiple establishments such as restaurants and cinemas, became available to only vaccinated people. Presentation of a negative COVID test from unvaccinated individuals is not longer valid.

These measures, along with the prohibition of standing in cafes and bars, will be affected for at least three weeks in light of France’s recent record-breaking 100,000+ daily COVID case report.

Photo Source: Sky News

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Impacts on BOV branches due to quarantined employees

Dec 27 2021

Bank of Valletta took to Facebook to announce that due to a number of employees currently positive or quarantined because of COVID, their service in several branches will be impacted.

The bank encouraged customers to check whether their branch has been impacted and the type of service being offered on their website.

They also outlined the details of the specific branches which you can find below:

Naxxar and Birkirkara Branches: These branches are currently closed. The Branch will be thoroughly sanitised and reopen for customers on Tuesday 28th December 2021.

Nadur and Xagħra Branches: These branches are temporarily closed until further notice.

Birżebbuġa, Ħ’Attard, Msida and Fleur de Lys Branches: These branches will be offering non-cashier services by appointment. Cash teller services will not be available until further notice. Customers requiring non-cash services such as investments, homeloans, personal loans, rescheduling of loan repayments and application for new services are to request an appointment through https://www.bov.com/Assistants/set-an-appointment | [email protected] | 2131 2020.

Customers were encouraged to limit the risk of contagion by using the Banks wide network of ATMs, Internet and Mobile Banking, BOV Pay, BOV Debit and Credit cards for their needs.

They assured customers that they will be taking the necessary measures in the best interest and safety of customers. ‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we thank you all for your continuous cooperation’ the statement said.

#MaltaDaily