People in quarantine will still be able to vote in general election after new law is approved

Jan 20 2022

Individuals stuck in mandatory COVID-19 quarantine will still be able to vote during the next general election after a new law was approved in Parliament.

As of yet, the specifics of the voting process have not been revealed but it appears that multiple possibilities have already been discussed. What is certain is that people in quarantine will have to notify the health authorities beforehand and a finalised list of eligible voters would need to be confirmed by 9pm on the evening of the election.

If an individual finds out about the need to quarantine beyond the stipulated timeframe, they will unfortunately not be able to vote. Designated voting areas will be also be created to allow such voting.

Do you agree with this procedure?

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Boris Johnson vows to remain Prime Minister amid lockdown party controversy

Jan 20 2022

Boris Johnson has pledged to maintain his post as Prime Minister and British Premier and will reportedly contest the next election despite mass calls for his resignation and a plea from a former Minister to quit ‘in the name of God’.

Johnson left many enraged after news of the Downing Street lockdown party began to make the rounds while the entirety of the UK was in strict lockdown. In spite of this, Johnson has stated that he would win any no-confidence vote called by his Conservative Party.

Johnson faces a tremendous task in regaining the trust of his cabinet members and the country’s population, especially in the midst of Labour’s current high and inflation in the UK reach a 30-year peak. He recently announced the removal of most COVID-19 restrictions in England in light of a perceived drop in Omicron infections.

Do you think Boris Johnson should resign?

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Maltese artists put on spectacular cultural showcase at Expo 2020 Dubai

Jan 19 2022

In celebration of Malta National Day at the Expo Dubai 2020, a number of Maltese creators, artists and performers put together an entire day of cultural events which are meant to showcase the beauty and potential of the Maltese islands.

Minister Silvio Schembri opened Malta’s National Day with a speech followed by a cultural showcase from various Maltese artists curated by MTA Director of Events Lionel Gerada together with artistic director Emma Tranter. The show took the audience on a cultural journey through Malta’s culture, with a percussion group led by Alex Debono, contemporary dance trio led by Francesca Abela Tranter and singers Destiny, Pamela Bezzina, Brooke Borg, Janvil, Glen Vella and Amber.

The afternoon spectacle exhibited Malta’s culture and history with a script written by Joe Julian Farrugia and music written by Elton Zarb. The piece accompanied a contemporary dance ensemble led by head choreographer Francesca Tranter and assistant choreographer Pamela Kerr together with the Maltese singers.

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Photo Credits: Daniel Balzan.

UK to no longer require vaccine passports as of January 27th

Jan 19 2022

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a return to the COVID Plan A measures after Plan B were implemented in December.

This news comes after a cabinet review of the latest COVID data, with a government official spokesperson explaining the decisions about changes to restrictions as being finely balanced.

Current rules under the Plan B include compulsory face coverings for most indoor public spaces, advice to work from home, and the use of COVID vaccine passes for several establishments.

Today 19th January 2022, Johnson cited ONS data indicating COVID cases are falling and announced that the Uk will be returning to Plan A from January 27th. He concluded that the government will no longer require wearing of face masks or vaccine passports.

As of tomorrow, Johnson also revealed that the government will no longer require face masks in school classrooms. The use of face coverings is still recommended in public spaces.

Plan B aimed to help reduce the spread of Omicron as well as allow time to administer more booster jabs. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Tuesday he was ‘cautiously optimistic that we will be able to sustainably reduce restrictions next week.’

Ahead of the announcement, the spokesperson said that it is thanks to the ‘phenomenal efforts of the NHS and many dedicated volunteers that we have no delivered over 36 million boosters to people across the UK.’

Latest figures from January 18 reveal that a total of 673,987 people tested positive for COVID between January 12 and 18, which is a 38.9% reduction from the week prior.

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