Two-thirds of children vaccinated with first dose

Jul 12 2021

Two-thirds of children aged between 12 and 15 have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The invitations were sent out by the end of June, with health authorities starting the vaccine administration to the age group soon after schools shut for summer holidays. Around 65% of those invited turned up to receive their vaccination, although the exact number was not given. Should the process continue as scheduled, the first doses will be completed by July 24th, a spokesperson told Times of Malta.

Speaking on OneRadio, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that if the science points towards younger children being safe for vaccination, he will be one of the first to have his daughter vaccinated. Sources also claimed that health authorities are satisfied with the turnout so far, urging anyone who did not receive their invite or missed their appointment to send an email to [email protected].

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Photo Source: Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

Man in jail for acting as policeman and charging maskless tourists

Jul 12 2021

A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to a year and a half in jail after he plead guilty for acting as a policeman and charging maskless tourists €50. He was also charged with threatening arrest to those who refused to comply with his orders.

TVM reported how Jon Charles Seabrook, born in the UK and resident of Senglea, plead guilty for deceiving and profiting off of four tourists and attempting to charge a fifth one between Thursday and Sunday. Inspectors Jessica Bezzina and Leeroy Balzan Engerer arraigned in Court today over the case, with District Police initiating the investigations after arresting Seabrook in Sliema.

The mask regulation was amended on the 1st of July, with people being able to remove their mask if they are alone or with another person, granted they are fully vaccinated.

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Photo Source: Malta Police Force FB

Chris Fearne in isolation following contact with positive COVID-19 case

Jul 12 2021

Despite not having tested positive for the virus himself, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has entered self-isolation after coming into contact with a positive COVID-19 case. Fearne has started a 14-day period of quarantine in line with the public health protocols, with the health ministry issuing a statement on Monday morning following Times of Malta’s news update.

The statement revealed how it was a member of Fearne’s family who had tested positive for the virus. Despite leading the battle agains the pandemic, Chris Fearne will not be attending a parliamentary meeting of ministers which is held every Monday in order to safeguard others and himself for further spread. This comes as Malta continues to register increasing number of daily infections, prompting the government to even change travel regulations.

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB

Maltese abroad can return with proof of negative PCR test and pre-booked flights

Jul 12 2021

Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci has confirmed that Maltese citizens who were already abroad when the travel regulations were changed can return provided they provide proof of already booked flights and a negative PCR test. They will also not be subject to mandatory quarantine if the above mentioned requirements are met. Following a surge in COVID-19 cases, the government announced last Friday that all travellers arriving in Malta must present a recognised COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Only adults fully vaccinated with EU-recognised vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen) can be allowed into Malta. Children accompanying parents will have to provide a recent negative PCR test. Former Nationalist MEP candidate Peter Agius also urged the Maltese government to exempt any Maltese expats from the regulations, vouching for ‘family reunions’ to discern between tourists and family visitations.

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Photo Source: Charmaine Gauci FB