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Vaccines are the road out of the pandemic

Vaccines are the road out of the pandemic
Jul 21 2021 Share

Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci reveals how the vaccination programme and the jab itself are leading to the curb of the virus. With most new daily and active cases being attributed to unvaccinated, the rollout is clearly the scientifically-proven weapon to beat the pandemic which has, quite frankly overstayed its welcome. Speaking on Times of Malta’s ‘Ask Charmaine Programme’, the interview revealed the following information; 

‘Transmission rates are lower among vaccinated.’

Studies reveal how the virus’ viral load is far less prominent with vaccinated people. This can be noted in Malta, with most cases being attributed to unvaccinated or imported cases. Those who have underlying health conditions are strongly encouraged to seek consultations from professionals to curb fear and maybe get specific jabs.

‘Vaccination should be a collective effort.’

Unfortunately, not getting your vaccine risks making herd immunity redundant. This is because it gives the virus room to mutate and would mean booster shots or possibly new vaccines. The Delta variant, Gauci revealed, is slowly becoming the main variant all over the world. This is not yet the case in Malta.

‘Low hospitalisations prove the vaccination’s efficacy.’

The fact that there is just one person in the ITU shows how the vaccination programme is working. The ITU patient is also stable. Many of those admitted are also done so before they know they are positive. They are admitted for other health conditions, only to discover the infection. 

‘We need to take it one step at a time.’ 

Health restrictions are still an important part of the process. The Superintendent acknowledged everyone’s frustration and exhaustion with measures in place. It is however crucial to push together and to be on the same boat. This means getting vaccinated as soon as possible, adhering to regulations and staying as safe as possible. 

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€50,000 donation to Responsible Gaming Foundation by MALTCO Lotteries

€50,000 donation to Responsible Gaming Foundation by MALTCO Lotteries
Jul 21 2021 Share

Reaffirming its company’s commitment towards Responsible Gaming, Maltco lotteries announced a further €50,000 contribution to the Responsible Gaming Foundation in Malta as the ‘Balance is the Name of the Game – Play Responsibly’ campaign is launched. Speaking at the presentation, Minister for Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri pointed out how the pandemic left a negative impact as it exacerbated addiction issues due to stress and emotional uncertainty. 

The Minister stated how thankfully, the Responsible Gaming Foundation sought, and still seeks, to provide help for all those who fall victim to the devastating affliction. The foundation has carried out through research and is now better equipped with detailed information. Together with stakeholders, a holistic plan will be sought after which will improve care and social services in the field of gaming problems and addictions. 

During the press conference, which was held at Maltco’s head office in Iklin, the National Lottery operator announced its contribution to the Responsible Gaming Foundation which was conferred earlier this month. Maltco lotteries has remained committed to contribute towards actively promoting, designing and engaging in responsible gaming practices and principles.

Minister Schembri thanked Maltco for never missing a deadline and always being a worthy contributor to the sterling work executed by the Foundation. General Manager of the Responsible Gaming Foundation Mr. Kevin O’ Neill expressed the foundation’s will to keep strengthening its connection to Maltco. The partnership will seek to promote responsible gaming, with Mr. O’Neill stating that enjoying this activity is a possibility with the commitment and goodwill of all stakeholders. 

Malta Lotteris CEO Vasileios Kasiotakis stated that the company’s mission is to ensure that all players are entertained in a responsible fashion. The agents are constantly undergoing training to devote any required effort, daily, in a continuous endeavour to protect the players from any Problem Gambling issue. They will also be directed towards a secure and entertaining gaming experience. 


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Photo Source: Maltco Communcations

All Maltese over-60s vaccinated with at least one jab

All Maltese over-60s vaccinated with at least one jab
Jul 21 2021 Share

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported that everyone in Malta aged over 60 has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Malta is also the only European country to have administered at least one jab to people aged 60 and above. 99.1% of the 60 to 69 age group, all those between ages 70 and 79 and 96.1% of over 80s were fully vaccinated. The group with the lowest rate of vaccinations has been the 25 to 45 cohort. 70.1% were fully vaccinated and 68.1% received at least one dose. 

The 50 to 59 age group was 86.4% fully vaccinated, whereas 71.5% of those aged 18 to 25 have been fully jabbed. In terms of those aged 12 and above, 60% have received at least one dose but the data is still fully unavailable. Most new cases of the virus are being reported to non-residents and unvaccinated people as Malta experiences a new surge in infections. 

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Photo Source: Politico.eu

Free meal offer for Malta’s vaccinated receives backlash

Free meal offer for Malta’s vaccinated receives backlash
Jul 21 2021 Share

Planet Hollywood, a popular St. Julian’s restaurant, announced yesterday that any vaccinated people will be getting a meal for free. This offer however, which sees every fourth main course that is ordered by vaccinated people given for free, raised social media uproar. Many called the offer, which is valid from Monday to Thursday, discriminatory whilst others questioned how the establishment treats its unvaccinated staff. 

Such initiatives are not new as many campaigns, both locally and internationally, were launched in order to incentivise people to receive their jab. Hermanos offered free sides to vaccinated people last May, with other international companies going as far as tying the prize to lotteries. The restaurant did clarify that it still serves and caters to all, with the offer simply being an incentive to help curb the spread of COVID-19. 

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Photo Source: Planet Hollywood Malta FB