Two out of every three COVID-19 cases in Malta didn’t even know they had it, study says

Dec 29 2021

A study has stated that two out of every three individuals infected by COVID-19 in the country may not have been aware of the virus. This is due to two thirds of COVID-positive cases do not show symptoms, as found in the ‘CovPlex’ study analysis resulting from thousands of blood samples taken in recent months.

In a recent discussion broadcasted on TVAM, Professor Christian Scerri discussed how studies were undertaken when COVID variants Delta and Alpha were most common and thus, with the Omicron variant, there may be a greater number of cases where the individual is not aware of it.

The study ‘CovPlex’ analysed over 4,000 blood samples, including those of people who previously suffered with COVID, never contracted it and those who have been vaccinated. The study confirms that the booster dose is effective, also highlighting the since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, vaccination will reduce infection strength rather than preventing the virus from entering the system.

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Malta given ‘very high’ travel warning by United States amid COVID-19 case surge

Dec 29 2021

Malta has joined the ranks of Moldova and Sweden after the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorised the countries with high-risk travel-related warnings.

Malta, Moldova and Sweden have had their travel warning raise to “very high” level four, with Argentina being categorised as “high” or level 3 by the CDC. The American CDC warns travellers to avoid level four destinations at all costs and if they choose to travel to such areas, they must make sure they are fully vaccinated before travel.

On Tuesday, Malta registered a record 1,298 new cases with 7,735 active cases while 82 were in hospital and 5 in Mater Dei’s ITU.

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

Dec 29 2021

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

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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