Vaccine-booster rollout halves infection rate among over-80s

Oct 3 2021

As the COVID-19 booster shot rollout continues, the overall impact on the infection rate among the over-80 age group has more than halved in just two weeks. The booster’s ability to increase immunity seem to be quicker as epidemiologist Neville Calleja told Times of Malta that the booster’s effect on the elderly was noticeable just a week after it was administered.

The impact of the first doses of the vaccine led to a drop in infections after weeks but the booster seems to be hurrying up the process considerably. The latest figures are indicating how infection rates in different age groups show that in just two weeks, the rate per 100,000 people in the over-80 cohort dropped from 248.97 to just 87.6.

With similar drops indicated in the 65 to 79 age group, the current rate for the age group is also the lowest since mid-July. This was revealed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The rate had been climbing since then and until last week, with authorities blaming the trend on decreasing immunity.

All residents in care homes for the elderly have received their booster dose as the health authorities initiate the process of vaccinating immunocompromised and those over the age of 70.

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Walking on the pavement is sometimes impossible due to garbage bags

Oct 3 2021

A post uploaded to a local public Facebook group plead with drivers not to judge pedestrians walking on the side of the street instead of on the pavement, especially if they are accompanied by a push-chair. The post asked drivers to slow down their vehicles and pass them by gently as for some people, walking on the pavement is sometimes made difficult due to the items left on the sidewalk, most often garbage bags awaiting pick up.

The person who posted the statement highlighted how difficult it is to move a pushchair in such scenarios, and how even more difficult it is for someone who uses a wheelchair to do the same. A while back, the Local Council Association proposed a gradual move towards a point-based waste collection system, which suggested an end to street garbage pick up. However, Environment Minster Aaron Farrugia revealed that such garbage collection methods are set to continue, despite there being other plans to make streets more accessible when it comes to waste collection and pedestrian safety.

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Photo Source: Luana Cuschieri

Green Party ADPD opposes Hal Far car-racing track

Oct 3 2021

Following the release of plans for a car-racing track at Hal Far, the Green Party ADPD highlighted how such a project with only increase the noise pollution which already plagues Birzebbuga. The statement released on Saturday by the alternative political party came out against the development of the racing track as, the party believes, it can only impact residents negatively.

The party is set to herald the objection of proposal, saying how only green MPs in the next parliament can apply brakes to this madness. The PL and PN are not interested in the welfare of residents, said the party, but are only interested in ‘raw power’.

The proposal was announced in a celebratory tone, said the alternative party – all on the eve of a general election. This, according to ADPD, shows a lack of sensitivity towards the resident’s welfare. The resulting noise pollution is already being picked up as far away as Kirkop and Safi. ADPD chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said the Tal-Papa residential area in Birzebbuga is already the zone most impacted by aircraft and the Freeport Terminal noise pollution.

What do you think of this statement?

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Photo Source: ADPD FB

Sinking cars and damaged property in Xlendi storm aftermath

Oct 3 2021

As thunder raged and lightning flashed the early hours of this morning, Gozo’s Xlendi was subject to weather induced damages. The Weather Page Malta revealed images of a car slowly submerging in the bay, as the rest of the area was hit by heavy winds which tore at trees and flooded the parking space.

Cars were hit by branches and muddy waters as the weather raged on. Establishments too were not exempt from this terrifying treatment as one image shows a restaurant door blasted open with debris and wood littering both inside and outside.

The rest of the week seems to be bringing more isolated showers spread throughout. Despite some people loving this wintery atmosphere, we wouldn’t want to be the poor folk whose stay in Xlendi ended up in such sustained damage. We hope no one was hurt and be careful out there as more storms are bound to roll in.

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Photo Source: Anthony Vella, Manuel Tabone (Weather Page Malta)