Two Pfizer and AstraZeneca doses effective against Delta variant

Jul 22 2021

A new study published on Wednesday showed how two doses of Pfizer or AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine are nearly as effective against the Delta variant as they are the previously dominant Alpha variant. Despite stating that one shot of the vaccines is not enough for high protection, two doses are confirmed to provide significant safety against the virus.

The study found that two Pfizer doses were 88% effective at preventing symptomatic disease from the Delta variant, compared to 93.7% effectiveness against the Alpha variant. AstraZeneca registered at 67% effectiveness against the Delta whilst being 74.5% effective against the Alpha. One Pfizer shot was registered as 36% effective, whilst AstraZeneca reached a 30% effectiveness.

The authors of the study reported that their findings of ‘reduced effectiveness after the first dose support efforts to maximise vaccine uptake with two doses among vulnerable groups in the context of circulation of the Delta variant.’

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Photo Source: The Guardian

New Ta’ Qali project could attract some big artists to perform in Malta

Jul 22 2021

Ta’ Qali National Park is getting a €20 million investment which could see it become a prominent attraction for some big stars to perform in Malta. With works being carried out on the concert area, national park and BOV Adventure Park, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg announced during his visit that the million-euro investment will provide a park equivalent to the size of 60 football pitches. Around 450,000 square meters, the park will also get a whopping 80,000 new trees.

The new concert area will allow for some huge activities to be carried out, making Malta a possible hub for various artists to include it on their European tours. The main entrance and fountain will both be getting restorations, including paving work and installation of modern lighting. Renewable energy systems will also be included. The Minister called the project a dream of many which is becoming a reality.

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Photo Source: Ian Borg FB

Joke gone wrong after man tries to pay fine in 1 cent coins

Jul 22 2021

A man attempted to pay a €23.29 fine in 1 cent coins, but the joke blew up in his face after the police were involved. The man had received a fine from LESA and went to Naxxar Local Council to pay the owed money. He decided, however, to show up with a bag full of coins and present them to the council which wasn’t very happy with the act. The man in question ended up at the police station and ordered to collect every single cent and pay the fine ‘normally.’

The Naxxar Local Council posted to Facebook asking people to respect the council’s employees, as their ‘time is paid for by the people’s tax!’ This did not sit well with many commenters as they defended the man’s rights to pay fines in coins whenever he wished. The council’s decision to not accept the coins and to get the police involved was, according to many, not outweighed by this man’s simple practical joke.

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Photo Source: Richard Azzopardi Richpics, Naxxar Local Council FB

Maltese companies’ trust in Malta’s courts of justice on the increase

Jul 21 2021

Minister for Justice and Governance Edward Zammit Lewis posted to social media revealing how the trust of Maltese companies in the country’s courts of justice has grown significantly. The trust rating back in 2017 registered at 56% but went down to 52% last year. However, 2021 saw the percentage improve almost tenfold as trust rating scores at 69%, with 27% of companies reporting they do not trust it and 4% remaining uncertain.

The findings were reported by Eurobarometer, which also surveyed other EU countries. Overall, 49% of companies rate the independence of courts and judges in their country as good. Overall, however, there has been a three-point decrease in the proportion of companies that rate the independence of courts and judges in their country as good compared to 2020. Malta still registered a 20 point boost into its companies being more likely to have a positive perception than last year, alongside Estonia and Slovakia.

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Photo Source: justice, Edward Zammit Lewis FB