Research reveals higher risk to pregnant women from COVID-19

Apr 24 2021

A research that involved 2,100 pregnant women across 18 countries around the globe has resulted in the finding that COVID-19 is attributed to a higher risk of severe maternal complications. The findings of the INTERCOVID study as revealed from the Nuffield Dept of Women’s & Reproductive Health have detailed the information about the effects of the pandemic on pregnancy. Risk to mothers and babies is significantly higher than acknowledge when the virus first broke out. Aris Papageorghiou, who co-led the study, stated;

‘Women with COVID-19 during pregnancy were over 50% more likely to experience pregnancy complications (such as premature birth […] compared to pregnant women unaffected by COVID-19.’ Newborns of infected women were also more at risk of severe medical complications. The research has provided the necessary data to ensure all families understand the risk and to have the best possible care, including vaccination.

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#Photo Source: Garon Piceli

Charmaine Gauci insists wearing masks should remain a public health measure

Apr 24 2021

Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci has stated in her weekly COVID-19 bulletin that Malta should not stop the mask wearing health measure as it is key in mitigating the virus. She added that wearing masks will still be an obligation until the country has achieved population immunity due to the vaccine roll out. With the reopening of schools and relaxation of several measures, Professor Gauci emphasised the adherence to the health measures as the daily cases continue to drop.

The Superintendent also reported that there are currently four cases of the South African virus and three cases of the Brazilian virus in Malta. She also stated there were no COVID-19 clusters in schools due to most of staff being vaccinated, with only seven staff members and 28 student cases found positive.

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Photo Source: Anna Shvets, Charmaine Gauci FB

US lifts ban on Johnson & Johnson vaccine

Apr 24 2021

The US joins Malta and the EU in their lifting of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ban. The one shot vaccine was put on an 11-day pause due to concerns of blood clotting. Scientists however have advised that the benefits far outweigh the risks of blood clotting. The government had found 15 vaccinated individuals, all women, who developed unusual blood clotting post-vaccination.

Most of the patients were aged under 50, with three of them dying and seven remaining hospitalised. The federal health officials however deemed the one shot vaccine as critical to fighting the pandemic as it also aids vaccination roll out. An FDA Acting Commissioner stated that the decision was not reached lightly, whilst also recommending that the low chance of clotting be handled by warning younger women in order for them to decide whether to use that shot or get an alternative.

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Photo Source: BBC, IAmExpatGermany

Tourists visiting Malta to receive €100 vouchers for diving and sports during summer

Apr 23 2021

It has just been announced that tourists travelling to Malta this summer may be eligible for €100 vouchers for diving and sports activities, as part of the country’s tourism recovery plan.

A total of €750,000 have been invested into diving vouchers with another €1.5 million covering other sports activities accredited by SportMalta, with tourists being able to apply for the €100 diving vouchers as early as June.

The €100 sports vouchers, on the other hand, will be made available from July, with Minister Bartolo holding that sport is a niche which will positively contribute to the island’s sustainable tourism industry throughout the year.

Il-Ministru għat-Turiżmu u l-Protezzjoni tal-Konsumatur Clayton Bartolo iħabbar inċentivi għat-turiżmu sportiv u d-diving.

Il-Ministru għat-Turiżmu u l-Protezzjoni tal-Konsumatur Clayton Bartolo iħabbar inċentivi għat-turiżmu sportiv u d-diving.

Posted by MaltaGov on Friday, 23 April 2021

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