UK to scratch COVID-19 tests for fully vaccinated travellers

Jan 24 2022

The UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that COVID tests for fully vaccinated travellers in England will be getting scrapped.

This comes after the chief executives of the UK’s largest airlines urged the government to end COVID related travel restrictions. The representatives pointed towards evidence that the Omicron variant is in retreat, arguing that current measures have limited effect in preventing COVID spread.

The Prime Minister, speaking to broadcasters, said that thanks to the tough decisions and the big calls made, UK has the most open economy and society in Europe.

‘Although we have to be cautious, we are now moving through the Omicron wave, and you can see the figures are starting to get better.’

EasyJet’s chief executive Johan Lundgren welcomed the news, ‘knowing that millions of our customers will also be delighted to see the return of restriction-free travel in the UK. We now look ahead to what we believe will be a strong summer.’

As of Thursday, COVID passports and mandatory face masks will be scrapped in England, with people also no longer being urged to work from home.

However, the World Health Organisation still describes the virus as very nasty and ‘rather cunning’, stating that it should not be treated like the flu. This comes as Malta’s health authorities announced the reveal of a COVID exit roadmap in the coming days.

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Volt call to make menstrual products free to end period poverty

Jan 24 2022

Political party Volt issued their call to make menstrual products free and reimbursable, saying that people should not be charged for menstruating. In a statement, Volt pointed out how on average, people who menstruate do so for 40 years and therefore have to buy 10,000 to 17,000 hygiene items in a lifetime.

‘This is what Volt calls Period Poverty. As part of the effort to reform the country’s sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights, Volt Malta would like to abolish the country’s Period Poverty, and increase the accessibility of menstruation supplies.’

Deemed an unnecessary challenge to the lives of menstruating people, Period Poverty comes at an extra cost to acquire basic essential goods. The party noted that these costs further affect affordability and purchasing power, and propagating income inequality. A number of solutions are thus being pushed by Volt, such as the integration of menstrual products such as sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups in the ‘Pharmacy of Your Choice’ scheme.

Co-President of Volt Malta Alexia DeBono said that ‘having a uterus should not come with its own price tag.’ Thus, sanitary pads should be free through dispensers from educational institutions, healthcare facilities and hospitals, food banks, prisons and a number of other establishments.

‘Accessibility to these products should be key to maintain menstrual hygiene’ the statement pointed out. All products should also be made reimbursable for any individual purchasing them from any retail outlets and pharmacies. ‘Volt urges everyone to keep in mind that what may seem like a small expense to most people is a significant one to the poorest among us, and is one that should not even exist.’

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Photo Source: Volt Malta

5 reasons to visit Sicily during Carnival

Jan 24 2022

As we carefully tiptoe our way through the first few weeks of 2022, it seems like we’re already neck-deep in commitments and a holiday sounds like exactly what everyone needs right now. However, not everyone has the time, budget or enthusiasm to plan out a holiday, which is why we’re here to present you a list of ideas for the perfect Sicily getaway. Whether you enjoy a high-octane holiday with a schedule full of activities or a tranquil trip with a planned out gastronomical guidebook, we’ve got you sorted.

Culture & History

Any history buff will know that Sicily is deeply ingrained with cultural and historical significance. As a matter of fact, Sicily’s distinct twist on Baroque style prompted the inception of Sicilian Baroque, a style recognised by its amalgamation of typical Baroque motifs and flamboyant Sicilian flavour.

Beyond the architecture, Sicily is rich in art, cuisine and tradition influenced by the historical impact of the Phoenicians, Romans, French, English, Greeks, Normans and Arabs. That said, make sure you brush up on your history before visiting.

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Food

Of all of the benefits of visiting Sicily and practically any other area in Italy, the country’s food culture is absolutely unmatched and Sicily’s long list of domestic delicacies make for a foodie’s dream holiday. From visiting the traditional fish markets and preparing the food yourself (which is an experience in itself) to hitting some of the island’s street food stalls and basking in the culinary glory that is Sicily, prepare your taste buds for a well-deserved flavour rollercoaster.

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Skiing

Mount Etna may not be the first place which comes to mind when someone mentions skiing, but you would be surprised that Europe’s famous volcano has another side to it. If you’re an adrenaline junkie who is looking for a quick fix, you’ll find that Mount Etna is the perfect spot.

You’ll find two ski resorts both boasting scenic slopes and will be relieved to know that the best time to visit is between December and February, so it’s just the right time to book an impromptu ski holiday.

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Shopping

There are two kinds of people in this world. People who go to Sicily to shop and people who are missing out. With around 150 stores at the Sicilia Outlet Village, 140 at Centro Sicilia and a newly-opened Primark, it is almost impossible to visit Sicily without finding at least one fashion grail.

With outlets of all shapes and sizes offering everything from sports apparel to designer chic with a number of refreshment points to replenish oneself for the next round of shopping, some retail therapy is exactly what we all need right now.

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Sightseeing

Beyond every other wonderful thing about the Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily is jam-packed with eye candy locations which definitely deserve a spot on your feed. Check out Palermo’s gorgeous church mosaics, gaze at Taormina’s enchanting townscape and visit the jaw-dropping Ragusa and Modica, which were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sicily’s long list of locations makes for a jam-packed itinerary.

Oh… and make sure your secure the coveted Mount Etna selfie.

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What’s more is that the Virtu Ferries prices for a Sicily trip come at great value and include a return ticket! Check out their website to book and get more information on your next getaway.

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Inflation shoots up prices for food and other sectors in December

Jan 24 2022

Official figures have confirmed that the circulating feeling of daily needs prices shooting up December was in fact correct.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for December, published by the National Statistics Office, shows how food prices increased by 5.24% when compared to just a year earlier. Restaurant food prices and take-aways also increased by around 4.14% last month.

The NSO said that food and restaurant prices contributed the largest upward impact on annual inflation in December. The food category represents 21.5% of the basket of goods making up the index.

When compared to a year earlier, the overall yearly rate of inflation last December stood at 2.59%, which is also up from 2.38% in November. Pet food, sports related equipment, carpets and household textiles and maintenance services also registered sharp increases.

The energy sector seems to be the island’s only sector where stable prices meant there was no inflation. NSO figures show that water and electricity bills, and the prices for gas and fuels remained unchanged throughout the year.

The transportation sector seemingly benefitted from this, with inflation there registered at a modest increase of 2.58%. In the communications sector, the annual rate of inflation decreased by 2.75%.

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