Public transport use increased last year when compared to 2020

Jan 17 2022

The pandemic landed a big blow to the usage of buses in Malta, as many feared infection and being in tight spaces with more people. However, it seems as though the use of tal-linja has increased, with many making use free of charge.

Transport Malta director Ivan Pierre Vella explained how before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Malta registered a record breaking amount of public transport voyages.

Between January and February of 2020, Vella revealed, the amount of passengers using the bus system was way higher than any other previous year. A 21% increase to previous years was being noticed – a statistic which unfortunately fell due to COVID.

However, between March and December of 2021, the number of voyages increased by 24% when compared to the same period the year before. Vella also highlighted how a substantial amount of voyages which occurred last year were free of charge.

‘In 2021, up to 20% of public transport voyages were carried out free of charge for the individuals concerned’ said Vella. He went on to highlight the environmental benefits of using public transport by reducing emissions.

Using public transport reduces the amount of cars on the road, with the buses in use all being Euro6, which means that they have the highest standards in emission reduction.

#MaltaDaily

Parents donate €9000 to Puttinu from fundraiser for their own daughter

Jan 17 2022

A circle of kindness that keeps on helping people in need. Puttinu Cares revealed that parents Miriana and Jean donated €9,000 from a fundraiser created for their own daughter.

The baby girl was born prematurely at 33 weeks to some complications and thus, her parents were thinking of travelling with the baby to a hospital abroad. A fundraiser was initiated and many showed their heartwarming generosity by giving some financial aid.

With a substantial amount raised and the baby in better health, the parents donated €9,000 to the organisation that helps other kids get better as they undergo treatment for severe illnesses. Miriana and Jean also wanted to thank the NPICU staff for all the patience and hard work that goes into helping such individuals.

#MaltaDaily

Online debate sparked after David Beckham kisses daughter Harper on lips

Jan 17 2022

Once again, footballer David Beckham has found himself at the heart of an online discussion about what is and isn’t appropriate when it comes to behaviour with his kids.

The 46-year-old Manchester United legends posted a selection of photographs of himself out for a walk with his 10-year-old daughter Harper. However, many people were put off by the fact that father and daughter shared a kiss on the lips.

Beckham posted the pictures on Instagram this Friday, captioning them ‘Daddy and Princess Leia had a lovely walk this morning.’ For many people, the picture of both sharing a peck on the lips seemed harmless. For others, however…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)

Some labelled kissing one’s daughter on the lips as weird and inappropriate. Some pointed out that despite being very sweet, people, including the sport star, should refrain from kissing their kids on the lips.

One person who criticised Beckham suggested that he should opt for kisses on the forehead or the cheek. This is because Harper is not a baby anymore and kisses on the lips are unacceptable.

This is far from the first time such an incident occurred. Back in 2019, Beckham uploaded a similar photo and then went on to post more similar snapshots after receiving several hate and troll messages for the act.

Others defended Beckham’s choice of affection, with one even pre-empting the ‘don’t kiss your child on the lips’ comments to pour in.

#MaltaDaily

Here are the COVID measures coming into effect today

Jan 17 2022

The day new COVID-19 health restrictions come into effect is here – and we have you covered with all the details. As of today, Monday 17th January 2022, establishments will need a valid certificate – jabbed with the booster shot – required for entry.

This concerns everything from bars, clubs, restaurants, snack bars, cinemas, theatres, casinos, bingo halls or gaming parlours, sports events, gyms or fitness centres, public swimming pools, spas and saunas, organised mass events and exhibitions.

A €500 fine per breach will be issued to any establishment or event organiser who is caught not following the new regulations. Within the establishments, a number of measures are also in effect. Masks are to be worn at all times and can only be removed when seated for eating and drinking.

Staff working in direct contact with patrons need to be vaccinated, but have an exemption period of up to the 1st of February 2022. Staff not in direct contact with customers can be exempted from providing certification at the workplace.

2m distancing between tables in restaurants and bars have been minimised to whatever minimum standards the establishment has licensed.

Mask wearing is now no longer necessary for fully vaccinated people in groups no larger than 2. A vaccine certificate is considered valid for three months from the second dose or nine months from the booster.

An exemption is also in place for people who have recovered from COVID and therefore were unable to get their jab.

Such people can enter establishments if they provide proof of valid vaccine certification showing they received the primary two doses (or single for J&J) along with a positive COVID-19 test result dated no more than 6 weeks prior.

Kids aged between 12 and 17 who are currently unable to get the booster only need to show the two-dose certificate.

Those under 12 are exempted from showing any certificate. Others who had a reaction to the vaccine and have medical proof they cannot receive the booster, or women who are up to three months pregnant are exempted.

#MaltaDaily