Omicron could have doubled risk of infection on planes

Dec 22 2021

Since the emergence of the Omicron COVID variant, aircraft passengers have become twice or even three times more likely to catch the virus.

According to the top medical adviser t the world’s airlines, Omicron spread is making infection because of travel way worse. With the new strains being even more transmissible and since it became the dominant strain in just a few weeks, around 70% of all US cases are Omicron.

While hospital-grade air filters on passenger jets make the risk of infection much lower on planes than in crowded places on the ground, Omicron is rapidly spreading despite all the precautions.

Business-class may be safer than more densely packed economy cabins, says David Powell, a physician and medical adviser to the International Air Transport Association. Passengers, he said, should avoid face to face contact and frequently touched surfaces, sitting near each other while unmasked or during meals.

The best protection, he said, is being vaccinated boosted, especially when flying. The protection that you give yourself rom an extra mask or not flying at all is probably less than the benefit you would get from being fully vaccinated and boosted.

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Closing down catering industry not the way forward says association

Dec 22 2021

An association which represents restaurateurs has warned about the consequences which the catering industry could face should the sector be closed due to a surge of COVID-19.

The Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) has highlighted its concern for the rise in positive cases, but said that statement and comments by entities and individuals on social media can be dangerous for the industry.

The association backed up Health Minister Chris Fearne’s focus on offering the vaccine and booster shots rather than considering further restrictions, which could close off food outlets. The rollout is the best way forward in view of the impact the closure would have.

According to a recent survey, it pointed out, 18.7% of outlets had closed down permanently due to closures. Going back to such measures would be devastating for even more businesses, it said.

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Police stations in ‘third world country style’ – calls for better conditions

Dec 22 2021

The Malta Police Union (MPU) are calling for better working conditions, going on to describe the environment inside some stations as ‘third world country style.’

The union emphasised that police officers’ work environment is not being prioritised enough, making reference to objective eight of the Malta Police Transformation Strategy. This is a newly launched five-year strategy for modernising the force.

The union questioned whether anyone has ever seen such poor working conditions in public service, revealing that the executive committee has been drawing attention for several months to the run down environment.

‘We ask, have you ever seen a Ministry or an office of some important employee in the Public Service in this pitiful state?’ it asked.

Police join Hamrun Spartans FC Daikin kids for a game of football

Dec 22 2021

Hamrun Spartans FC Daikin School of Excellence posted to Facebook revealing that last Saturday morning, the community police headed to the ground to meet, discuss and play football with the children.

The sports club said that ‘our school of excellence is not only there to make footballers, but to educate kids as well, in order to create a better generation of future adults.’

In photos uploaded to the page, kids could be seen enjoying their favourite sport alongside police officers, who also got into the game for some weekend fun.

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Photo Source: Hamrun Spartans FC Daikin School of Excellence