New Omicron XE COVID variant found in Malta

Jun 10 2022

Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that a new variant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Malta.

The new form of the virus, which is a recombinant variant (meaning it is the result of two strains merging together) has caused an increase in community transmission of the disease.

Fearne said that the variant is more infectious so a slight increase in community transmission should be expected. The Deputy Prime Minister however said that, despite being more infectious, ‘we are not seeing more severe symptoms or complications.’

There have been no deaths linked to COVID since June 4th, and with 1,548 active cases there are only 31 in hospital. Two are in the intensive care unit. The Omicron XE was first found in the UK in January.

The health minister also assured the public via press conference that no cases of monkeypox are currently in Malta. The one case detected around 15 days ago has since recovered.

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Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt to work on Formula 1 film together

Jun 10 2022

Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt are set to join forces for a new Formula 1 film, with Hamilton acting as a producer on the project.

With the film set to be directed by Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, Apple Studios acquired the rights to the currently untitled film. It is set to feature Pitt as a driver coming out of retirement to mentor a younger driver.

Hamilton is no stranger to the film industry, having made cameos in Cars 2 and 3 and some video games amongst other projects. Meanwhile, Pitt has taken an interest in Formula 1, having been seen at many Grand Prix events.

Not many details are known as of yet, but Hamilton is currently undergoing one of the more challenging F1 seasons. He is currently 34 points behind Mercedes team-mate George Russell and 75 points behind Max Verstappen.

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BBC Concert Orchestra to return to Malta on July 9th at Granaries

Jun 10 2022

The World Famous BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Radio 2 proudly return to MALTA with Classic Rock Anthems – brought to you by VisitMalta.

After wowing audiences last year with “It’s a Kind of Magic – The Queen Story” the BBC Concert Orchestra is bringing an epic evening of the world’s classic rock and pop anthems to the spectacular Granaries in Floriana.

On the 9th of July, the concert will feature an astonishing 20 number one hits and an awe-inspiring countdown to the best selling artists of all time. You will hear classic rock and pop anthems delivering feel good, fall in love, get mad, get sad, get even songs, that power us through, lift us up and bring us together.

Under the direction of the renowned conductor Mike Dixon, the 60-piece BBC Concert Orchestra, plus dynamic rock band, and cast of outstanding star singers Gloria Onitiri, Laura Tebbut, Tim Howar, Ricardo Afonso, Annie Skates, David Combes, Emma Kershaw, Lance Ellington and Tony Vincent, will perform classics by The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Prince, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, The Beatles, Tina Tuner, Fleetwood Mac, Cher, Elvis – and more!

So many number one artists, so many hymns to love and calls to action – but there’s only one sensation who rules them all. Do you know who? Find out in ‘CLASSIC ROCK ANTHEMS’ coming to The Granaries, Floriana on 9th July 2022.

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Government to start debate on erasing simple drug convictions from conducts

Jun 10 2022

Prime Minister Robert Abela said Thursday that following the decriminalisation of cannabis, the government is now seeking to start a debate on the erasure of conduct sheets which were tarnished with simple drug possession convictions.

Abela stated this during the second State of the Nation conference organised by President George Vella.

Abela said that following the Labour’s electoral manifesto, the government believes a person should be given the opportunity to start a new life. It was not fair, he said, for a person to carry a label for life.

The government will thus start a debate with entities running drug rehabilitation programs on the possibility of having people with simple rug possession conduct taints getting the opportunity to review their conduct sheet.

“We need to move away from a society that condemns you for life for a one-off mistake… We are a nation that cares and we are not indifferent to people’s troubles,” he said.

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