Rise of COVID-19 imported cases in Malta

Nov 3 2021

The number of COVID-19 cases imported into Malta has increased, now accounting for a third of all reported infections. Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci confirmed how a growing number of virus numbers are among people who recently arrived in the country, despite the daily and active cases remain low. Yesterday, Malta registered 29 new cases, standing at 238 active cases. The proportion of imported cases dropped to 6% in the last week of July after quarantine-free entry was restricted to the fully vaccinated by health authorities. They remained relatively stable since then, said Gauci, but she stated that they increased last month.

Imported cases accounted for a fifth of all cases in October’s third week, going on to rise to a third by the last week of the month. Times of Malta was informed by the Superintendent that this could be a reflection of what is happening in other countries, where numbers are increasing. She emphasized however that it was important to note that the overall number of cases is low, so a small increase in reported cases will show a large percentage. There was also an increase of travelling to Malta, with Malta International Airport stating how September was their strongest month since the beginning of the pandemic.

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Photo Source: Charmaine Gauci FB

How to handle stress | by Ed’s Common Sense

Nov 3 2021

Whether it stems from work, school, social relationships or any of the responsibilities that consume our adult lives, stress is something that we suffer from on a daily basis but there are ways of handling it. Sometimes, taking a step back to breathe, rest and communicate is all we need to handle our stress. Sometimes, it takes a bit more. That’s why clinical psychologist & psychotherapist Dr. Edward Curmi is here to help us handle our stress on #StressAwarenessDay.

Dr. Edward Curmi is also the author of 2 self-help books titled Ed’s Common Sense.

1. Get enough rest and sleep.

2. Talk with others – Talk with friends, professional counsellors, support groups or relatives about what is bothering you.

3. Give in occasionally – Avoid quarrels whenever possible.

4. Tackle one thing at a time – Don’t try to do too much at once.

5. Don’t be too competitive.

6. Make the first move to be friendly.

7. Have some fun! Laughter is the best medicine!

Do you suffer from stress?

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No real impact on economy due to grey-listing says BOV chairman

Nov 2 2021

BOV chairman Gordon Cordina said on Tuesday that Malta’s financial greylisting left no major impact on the real economy. Cordina explained during a press conference that the recent grey-listing had no major impacts, but, having said that, he remarked that the grey-listing has been a short-lived experience. He warned that, if excessively prolonged, it can start having effects on the wider economy.

The sectors that don’t currently rely on credit or bank liquidity however could be most affected by such shocks, said Cordina. ‘The bank argurs, like other operators in Malta, that the situation will be resolved in the quickest possible way.’ According to CEO Rick Hunkin, BOV operations have similarly been left unscathed by the grey-listing.

Hunkin explained that BOV works closely with correspondent banks and bank partners, the majority of which have already factored in the possibility of greylisting. Some banks which are not in direct partnership with BOV have expressed reservations in processing payments from Malta. He said that this does not mean that there has been no impact, as all international banks have their own risk appetite.

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Third of Planning Authority issued fines still pending after 10 years

Nov 2 2021

Only two thirds of the fines issued by the Planning Authority over the past 10 years have been paid. The information was tabled in parliament, with figures published in reply to a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Joseph Ellis. It shows how the PA issued over €18.2 million in fines for the development irregularities across Malta and Gozo over the past 10 years. Only €12.8 million of these fines were paid, with 2018 seeing the largest number of fines being issued ranking at €3.3 million.

This was up from €2.5 million in 2017, with 2015 and 2016 seeing the PA issuing €1.5 and €1.9 million in fines. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority overhauled its penalty system for illegal development in 2012, introducing daily fines starting from €2 going up to €50 per day.

2012 saw the lowest number of fines at €306,680, the subsequent two years saw a substantial increase at €363,470 and €672,449 respectively. Fines during the pandemic declined significantly when compared to previous years, with 2020 and 2021 registering €2.1 million and €2.2 million in fines.

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