WATCH: Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja speaks out about cultural situation in Malta

Jun 16 2021

Maltese operatic tenor Joseph Calleja expressed his concerns about recent measures placed upon the cultural sector, despite there being different measures when it comes to weddings. Speaking live on Facebook, he asked where the logic behind allowing 300 people to attend a wedding and only allowing 100 for theatrical events truly stems from.

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Calleja also asked why controlled mass gatherings for vaccinated people are not allowed in Malta, despite the country opening up to tourism for various countries, including 40 American states. He pointed out how, despite having no problem with the reopening of tourism, the fact that people in flights cannot abide by social distancing rules renders the logic useless. Even though he praised how the authorities handled the pandemic, he is still in wonder about why reopening the cultural sector is taking so long.

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Photo Source: Joseph Calleja FB

WATCH: Fireworks in New York as most COVID-19 restrictions ease

Jun 16 2021

New York’s night skies were lit up with fireworks on Tuesday evening as the state celebrated the lifting of almost all of its COVID-19 restrictions. Masks were lifted and gatherings allowed after 15 months of the pandemic’s worst impact on the state’s economy and killed tens of thousands of New Yorkers. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced earlier in the day that the state has surpassed the 70% partial vaccination rate, which is the threshold recommended by health officials to safely ease health measures.

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Cuomo stated that this is a momentous and well-deserving day, considering the trials and tribulations caused by the outbreak. Capacity restrictions, social distancing rules, cleaning protocols, health screenings and contact tracing will all become optional following the approximate vaccination three-quarter of adults with one jab. Those who are not yet vaccinated are urged to wear masks and maintain social distance.

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Photo Source: Time Out

Carbon-neutral economy and future in 30-year plan for Malta

Jun 16 2021

A public consultation document launched by Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli revealed that Malta will have a 30-year strategy working towards a carbon neutral economy. Prioritising the most cost-effective measures, the strategy will seek to reduce emissions in energy, buildings, transport, waste, industry, agriculture and water. Malta aims to meet the EU-mandated 2030 climate targets, along with identifying pathways towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Minister Aaron Farrugia stated that with Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the government will continue ‘gaining ground and set decarbonisation pathways for the next 30 years and to ensure carbon emissions reductions across the main sectors of the economy.’ He highlighted the duty of a nation to protect its people the planet, with climate change remaining one of the most enduring threats to future generations.

Minister Miriam Dalli said that these are ambitious goals Malta will strive to achieve, and are committed to doing so. She said that ‘we want families, businesses,and industries to seize the opportunities that are available when it comes to sustainable investment – an investment that leads to economic growth and a better standard of living.’

By 2030, Malta will have to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 19% in comparison to 2005. Transportation is one of sectors contributing mostly to emissions. A green paper was launched today, which allows feedback from the public.

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Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB, Miriam Dalli FB

3 COVID-19 cases registered with 9 recoveries

Jun 16 2021

Malta has registered 3 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours from 1,798 swab tests, while 9 patients have recovered. No deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. This information was announced by the official Facebook page of Malta’s Ministry for Health.

As of Wednesday 16th June 2021, 604,033 vaccine doses were administered of which 344,272 were 1st doses. 270,754 people are currently fully vaccinated.

To date, Malta has registered 30,585 COVID-19 cases in total, of which: 30,121 have recovered, 419 died and 45 are still active.

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Photo Source: Charmaine Gauci FB