People with rare disease appeal for priority in COVID-19 vaccine process

Jan 15 2021

The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support Malta has appealed to the Health Ministry for priority to be given to people with rare diseases in the COVID-19 vaccination process.

The Alliance has reported that the majority of its members have been in lockdown since early last year and while reporting the utilisation of services such as free psychological help, it has called its minority group “drastically marginalised”.

Individuals with chronic illnesses are currently set to be vaccinated after all front-liners and people aged 80 and over are vaccinated.

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Health Minister Chris Fearne reports that Malta’s vaccine rate is twice the EU average

Jan 15 2021

In an interview on TVM’s Xtra, which was also streamed on saħħa, Health Minister Chris Fearne reported that Malta’s vaccination rate is double the European average.

The Minister went on to report that 13,275 COVID-19 vaccines will have been administered by Monday, with healthcare workers beginning to receive the second wave of jabs on Sunday.

Dr. Fearne also stated that nothing is being left in the freezers aside from the second doses and by mid-next month, all healthcare workers will have received their first jab.

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Ministry pairs two owls as part of biodiversity revival project

Jan 15 2021

The Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning has reported its entry into the third phase of its biodiversity revival project by pairing the first two barns owls, with the names of Tyto and Alba.

Named after the scientific name for the barn owl, Tyto Alba, the birds will eventually be reintroduced to the wild through an initiative by the FKNK.

Minister Aaron Farrugia also announced the introduction of security cameras in Buskett to protect the farmhouse, protected birds and avoid crimes like vandalism, theft or fire.

The Ministry has also set up a livestream for the barn owls which can be viewed here.

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HSBC charges €5 fee for people with less than €1,250-€2,300 deposits over 3 months; Consumers’ Association condems it

Jan 14 2021

The Consumers’ Association has condemned HSBC for charging its clients a €5 fee if they do not deposit more then €2,300 over a period of three months (€1,250 for people over 61).

The Association claimed that this targets low-income earners and pensioners unfairly. Apart from this, the bank will also be adding more charges for bank services.

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