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Shorten quarantine period and compensate for private COVID-19 swab tests, PN says

Shorten quarantine period and compensate for private COVID-19 swab tests, PN says
Dec 29 2021 Share

In light of the current surge in COVID-19 cases and the thousands in quarantine, the Nationalist Party has stated that the Government should consult with professionals and consider shortening quarantine periods for people who test negative after getting COVID-19.

In a recent statement, the PN said that ‘the government’s inefficiency is causing anxiety and suffering to families and thousands of losses in income for local businesses, workers and self-employed.’ The statement went on to call upon the government to reimburse such losses in addition to compensating from private swab tests.

The PN also called upon the public to take their initial vaccines and booster doses, going on to thank healthcare professionals and anyone working in contract tracing for their tireless work and dedication during such difficult times.

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At least 20,000 people could be in quarantine as COVID-19 cases surge in Malta

Dec 29 2021 Share

Based on an estimate drawn up by Times of Malta, at least 20,000 people could be in quarantine at the moment as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Malta.

On Tuesday, the Health Authorities reported 1,298 new COVID-19 cases, which is the highest daily case number Malta has ever registered, meaning that there were 7,735 active cases in Malta at that moment. With 15,000 people reported to be in quarantine last week, the number has will have risen substantially.

Employers have warned that the considerable amount of people in quarantine may negatively impact the national workforce and local economy, thus calling on Malta’s policymakers to make the necessary changes to adapt to the current situation.

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Puttinu Cares founder Victor Calvagna in critical condition after St. Paul’s Bay traffic incident

Dec 29 2021 Share

Puttinu Cares founder and president, Victor Calvagna, is currently in critical condition after being hit by a car in St. Paul’s Bay last night.

The Malta Police Force initially reported that it was notified of a traffic incident in Triq it-Trunċiera, with a 63-year-old Mosta resident being injured after being hit by a Mazda Demio driven by a 31-year-old St. Paul’s Bay Resident. A post by the official Puttinu Cares page clarified that it was in fact Dr. Calvagna who was hit by the car and called on its followers to pray for their President. “Pray for him as we believe the children in heaven are praying,” the page stated.

A medical team was called on site and gave immediate assistance, taking Dr. Calvagna to Mater Dei hospital where he was certified to have grievous injuries. Magistrate Marsenne Farrugia was informed of this case while police investigations are still underway.

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Next available PCR test appointments from January 3, Health Ministry clarifies

Next available PCR test appointments from January 3, Health Ministry clarifies
Dec 28 2021 Share

Health Authorities have clarified that the next available date for a state-held COVID-19 test will start from January 3 for asymptomatic people. For people who currently have COVID-19 symptoms, they will be given an appointment for a Rapid Antigen Test for the following day, with the next available day for a PCR in this case being January 2.

Malta Daily has also tried calling for a PCR test and confirmed that people are being given a 6-to-7 day wait for a swab test. With data showing that people are recovering from the Omicron variant faster and the UK being amongst other countries to reduce isolation periods to 7 days, this makes Malta’s current booking situation quite confusing especially people may have already recovered from their test.

Others have also made the argument that they cannot afford to have a test done privately or that it is unfair given the current situation. Currently, around 5,000 swabs are being held every single day, with demand increasing for appointments each day for PCR tests, rapid tests and molecular assay. With this taken into consideration, the Health Ministry is urging people to avoid calling 111 unnecessarily and undergo quarantine when making contact with positive persons.

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