UK PM Boris Johnson announces new COVID-19 restrictions amid Omicron variant surge

Dec 9 2021

As the UK struggles in the midst of a surge in Omicron variant cases, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put in place a number of new restrictions in an attempt to mitigate the surge of the heavily-mutated variant.

Johnson stated it was the “proportionate and responsible thing to move to plan B in England” as the rate of variant cases is doubling every two to three days. The government is advising employees to work from home where possible, going on to state that presentation of COVID-19 vaccine passports will become compulsory in England, with Scotland and Wales having introduced similar measures.

Johnson stated that such presentation will be required for entry into nightclubs and venues which welcome larger crowds, insisting that these new restrictions do not constitute a lockdown but they are a response to the lack of knowledge on the new variant, highlighting that “[they] can’t assume Omicron is less severe than previous variants.”

The Prime Minister also appealed to the general public to go and take their vaccines and booster doses as soon as their turn arrives.

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Marsaxlokk needs more open spaces – PN critique new building application

Dec 8 2021

The Nationalist Party have criticised plans to dig up green spaces which form part of Marsaxlokk’s primary school and replace them with a library, local council offices and garages.

PN spokesman Peter Agius spoke at a press conference and stated that Marsaxlokk needs more open areas. It could not afford to lose ‘yet another’ open space to development.

Should the plans be approved by the Planning Authority, Agius said, it would be killing around 40 trees. It will instead be replaced by a three-storey block rise.

Electoral candidate Janice Chetcuti joined Agius in his critique, asking what example the authorities wish to give to Marsaxlokk’s children should a garden be replaced by construction.

The planning application is currently awaiting recommendation of assigned case officer and was filed by Marsaxlokk mayor Stephen Grech.

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Photo Source: Peter Agius FB

Over 50% of businesses forecast better sales during Christmas of this year

Dec 8 2021

Up to 53% of businesses are expecting better sales during this year’s festive season when compared to the same period in 2020.

A survey by the Malta Chamber of SMEs revealed that the majority, at 42%, expect to see better sales than 2020. 11% feel that this festive season will be closer to 2019, thus getting the 53% mark.

23% believe that sales will be more comparable to 2020 whereas 18% feel that this year, sales will be somehow worse than last year. 6% responded not applicable.

The survey follows Black Friday, confirming that this year, many businesses extended their offers beyond Black Friday. This led to a calmer 26th of November but also gave businesses a strong November, with results leaving the majority satisfied.

Black Friday week starting 22nd November proved the most popular with 35% of businesses choosing this option. This was followed by Black Friday Weekend at 27%, followed in turn by those deciding to run offers throughout the month of November at 23%.

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Children over 5 will be offered COVID vaccine by end of January 2022

Dec 8 2021

Speaking at a Council of Ministers meeting at the EU level, Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that the booster administration was crucial against the pandemic as cases rose.

He highlighted the need for people to take their booster shot so that all of Europe can overcome the current phase of the pandemic which is ravaging most of the world.

He said that the decision to start rolling out booster jabs early was a very wise decision and that other European countries are taking the same route.

Furthermore, he said that the first consignment of the children’s COVID vaccine will be sent to Malta in the coming days. The Omicron variant has raised concerns by many officials around the world as it could evade immunity provided by current vaccines.

All countries will be receiving consignment of the COVID-19 vaccine for kids in the coming days. This will allow the jab to be offered to all children over 5 by end of January 2022. The EU has also donated over 350 million vaccines to external countries.

Malta has delivered one of the largest amounts of vaccines per capita. It recently donated 131,000 doses to Iran with the assistance of the European Commission.

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB