Restart campaign proposes lift on DJ ban, controlled events & more

May 31 2021

Following the launch of Restart, the campaign seeking to restart the cultural and entertainment sector, a proposal has been launched outlining how to proceed. The proposal starts with a removal of performance ban placed on DJs by June 1st, followed by a re-opening with 25% standing capacity up to a 300 pax maximum by June 14th.

July 1st will boost the reopening max to 800 people (50% standing capacity) to then increase it to 75% a month later. The aim is to have a 100% standing capacity of licensed venues ‘since the entire population should be fully vaccinated by August.’ The proposal also highlights that only vaccinated people are eligible for these reopening, with health officers verifying vaccine certificates at doors.

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Photo Source: Restart FB, Vishnu RNair

Qolla l-Bajda to undergo restoration by Din l-Art Helwa

May 31 2021

NGO ‘Din L-Art Helwa’ is set to restore the Qolla l-Bajda coastal battery in Marsalforn Gozo. The NGO executive president Alex Torpiano stated that plans are in the works to restore the battery to its original state which was a 1715 building by the nights. A discotheque which was added to the battery in 1980s will also be removed. The building used to serve as a defence point against attacks due to its strategic location.

The building suffered everything from vandalism, neglect and weathering by the elements, despite still attracting tourists when they visited Gozo. Torpiano stated that there are various ideas of what can be done to restore the battery, and that the NGO will try to keep as much of the original stone intact.

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Photo Source: Din L-Art Helwa

2 COVID-19 cases registered with 4 recoveries

May 31 2021

Malta has registered 2 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours from 1,722 swab tests, while 4 patients have recovered. No deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. This information was announced by the official Facebook page of Malta’s Ministry for Health.

As of Monday 31st May 2021, 515,662 vaccine doses were administered of which 316,747 were 1st doses. 208,118 people are currently fully vaccinated.

To date, Malta has registered 30,535 COVID-19 cases in total, of which: 30,050 have recovered, 419 died and 66 are still active.

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Photo Source: Charmaine Gauci FB

China boosts its child limit to three to combat birth rate decline

May 31 2021

Following census data reporting a steep decline in birth rates, China has allowed couples to have up to three children. The country scrapped the one-child policy in 2016 and replaced it with a two-child limit. This, however, did not have its intended effects as there was no upsurge in births. The law, approved by President Xi Jinping, was met with various reactions, with some claiming that despite now being free to have more than two children, the costs of doing so are far too great.

Around 12 million babies were born in 2020, a significant decrease from the 18 million in 2016. 2020 also saw the lowest number of births since the 1960s. families that violated the one/two child policies faced fines, employment loss and sometimes forced abortions, not to mention a severe gender imbalance with parents preferring boys over girls.

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Photo Source: DW