Study finds Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness declines faster than AstraZeneca

Aug 19 2021

A study conducted by researchers at Oxford University has found that the effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine declines faster than that of Astra Zeneca.

The study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, states that the two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have greater initial effectiveness but decline faster compared to the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab.

The study is based on survey results published by Britain’s Office for National Statistics based on random households’ PCR tests carried out from December 2020 to August 2021. It found that the “dynamics of immunity” after both jabs varied between the two vaccines.

The study examined two groups of over 300,000 individuals over 18 years of age.

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Yorgen Fenech denied bail due to concerns of escape & other crimes

Aug 19 2021

Judge Giovanni Grixti has denied Yorgen Fenech’s bail request due to lasting concerns of Fenech fleeing the country or committing other crimes if it had to be accepted.

Fenech’s legal team submitted the most recent bail request on Monday, insisting that there was no fear of tampering of evidence or escape attempts and also highlighting a legal provision holding that the accused must be released on bail if proceedings take over 20 months.

Grixti replied to to the latter by outlining that the Attorney General correctly stated that the 20-month period did not pass since the clock stops every time the case is with the Attorney General, pointing to Article 575 of the Criminal Code.

Earlier today, it was revealed that the Judge had bought a 50-foot yacht from Fenech’s father back in 2008.

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Students will not have to apply for stipend every year anymore

Aug 19 2021

The Ministry for Education has published a statement highlighting certain changes which will be made regarding students’ application for stipends.

STQARRIJA MILL-MINISTERU GĦALL-EDUKAZZJONIEmendi fl-Iskema tal-Għotjiet ta’ Manteniment lill-IstudentiIl-Ministru…

Posted by Edukazzjoni on Wednesday, 18 August 2021

While students have had to apply every for stipend, going forward they will only have to apply during the first year of their studies. Furthermore, students reading for a Bachelors in Science, Medical Sciences or going on to their third year of a Medical Doctorate will receive a maintenance grant.

Students who are not Maltese or not citizens of the European Union will also be able to apply for a maintenance grant.

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€2.5 million worth of drugs seized in Malta’s largest drug haul of 2021

Aug 19 2021

The Malta Police Force’s Drug Squad together with the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) seized 136 kilograms worth of drugs valued at €2.5 million during an operation conducted in Burmarrad on Thursday.

The Police arrested four men after days of surveillance which lead to what is the biggest drug seizure conducted by the police for this year.

The drugs were hidden in a significant amount of tins used for olives and bags, with the arrested men being a 30-year-old from San Gwann, a 26-year-old from Hamrun, a 26-year-old from Pembroke and a 43-year-old Briton.

The police also seized amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine, a gun, ammunition and a substantial amount of money in banknotes. Duty magistrate Monica Vella will hold the inquiry while the men will be taken to court later today facing charges related to drug trafficking and illegal possession of drugs.

#MaltaDaily