WATCH: Over 3 hour waiting times at University for booster shot

Jan 4 2022

People are reporting waiting up to 3 hours to get jabbed with the COVID-19 booster shot at the University of Malta. With Malta pushing forth with its vaccination rollout, health authorities are highlighting the importance of the jab and its aim to boost most of the population.

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However, due to the amount of people and long queues forming, there are calls being issued for more vaccination centres and people administering vaccination. This also comes amidst reports of wild goose chases between MCAST and UOM for the vaccination.

People are also reporting being told to first go to one establishment to get their shot but then later told to go to another after their previous appointment location had closed up shop. Photos and videos sent to this newsroom show the long lines forming at UOM as people await their turn to get the jab. Despite indicating a sense of necessity to get boosted or vaccinated, the long waiting times are raising major concerns as people have to work around their schedule to get their vaccine.

As of the writing of this article, 1,075,996 vaccine doses were administered, 227,648 of which are booster doses. This also comes as Omicron starts to account for a majority of new cases.

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Animal rights NGO starts funding campaign for Paulina Dembska memorial

Jan 4 2022

Local animal rights group ‘Real Animal Rights Foundation (RAR Malta)’ started a crowd-funding campaign for those who would like to sponsor a memorial statue to Paulina Dembska.

Dembska, a young 29-year-old Polish woman, was found murdered on 2nd January, in Sliema’s Independence Garden at 6:30 am. The local council paid tribute to Dembska who was known to regularly feed and play with cats in the garden.

The NGO said that they ‘would like to immortalise her kindness and love for this stray cat community.’

‘RAR would like to (a) start a fundraising appeal of the cats which Paulina Dembska used to feed at the Independence Gardens in Sliema and (b) is asking for sponsorship of a memorial statue to be placed at the site where she tragically lost her life.’

The murder shocked the entire nation, with 20-year-old Żejtun youth Abner Aquilina being arrested by police after her body was discovered. Interrogations were suspended after he was admitted to Mt Carmel.

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6 Maltese Restaurants With Super Spaghetti Dishes

Jan 4 2022

There’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of pasta and when you’re really in the mood for it, few dishes offer the warmth and comfort of a nice plate of spaghetti. That’s why, in celebration of Spaghetti Day, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best spots in Malta for a nice plate of spaghetti so if you’re not hungry yet, get ready.

Zero Sei Trattoria Romana

On such an occasion, we couldn’t not mention Fausto Soldini’s brainchild Zero Sei trattoria Romana, whose pasta dishes taste just as good as they look. Take yourself on a trip to Rome with this authentic trattoria which has garnered a stellar reputation for using fresh ingredients & genuine recipes to create some of the best pasta on the island.

Must-try dish: Spaghetti Carbonara

La Nostra Padrona

If it’s seafood pasta ta you’re looking for, look no further. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Malta’s iconic fishing village, La Nostra Padrona’s dishes are unmatched in freshness and taste and with ‘fish delivered daily right from the boats,’ you can’t miss out on the opportunity to try this place.

Must-try dish: Pasta Ricci e Vongole

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A Mano

This laid-back trattoria in Kalkara prides itself on providing a chill atmosphere, authentic Italian food and bold, decadent drinks. Immediately gaining popularity for being one of Malta’s go-to locations for pizza and pasta, A Mano offers taste, variety and value in an iconic Maltese location.

Must-try dish: Spaghetti Amatriciana

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United Restaurant

A hearty plate of spaghetti from Mġarr’s United Restaurant is as Maltese as it gets. Situated behind the Mġarr parish church, United Restaurant is particularly well-known for its traditional rabbit and amongst other pasta dishes, the Spaghetti with Rabbit sauce. So if you’re craving a traditional Maltese experience, you know where to go.

Must-try dish: Spaghetti Rabbit

Le Majoliche

Born in 2015 with the intention of bringing authentic Sicilian cuisine to Malta, Le Majoliche serves love and passion in every dish that comes out of the kitchen. The restaurant is as consistent as it is accommodating, providing a wide variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a fresh selection of pasta that will make it difficult for you to pick just one.

Must-try dish: Spaghetti ai Ricci su letto di Nero di Seppia

N’Duja Osteria

This charming little osteria in Valletta’s quaint Old Bakery Street is a hidden gem unlike any other. Specialising in Italian and Meditteranean cuisine with a list of mouth-watering pasta dishes which will have you coming back for more, Nduja osteria is cozy, intimate and a must-visit on Spaghetti day.

Must-try dish: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

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Positive NYE reports by establishments despite COVID spike

Jan 4 2022

Despite the massive amounts of cancellations of bookings and mass events due to a surge in COVID cases, hotels and restaurants reported a generally positive New Year’s Eve. Times of Malta was informed by MHRA president Tony Zahra that business was as good as could be expected the epidemiological situation.

From the hotels’ perspective, he said, the association received reports of good occupancies over the new year. Restaurants also reported good business on New Year’s Eve, despite many working at below capacity. January and February still remain a concern however should cases continue to spike. The newsroom was also informed by Matthew Pace, from the association of catering establishments, that New Year’s Eve appeared to have been far better than Christmas Eve.

Even though sales still fell short of pre-pandemic levels, Pace said that this small but significant confidence in going out was due to people realising that hospitalisations are low coupled with high vaccination rates. As of January 17th, valid vaccine certificates will be mandatory for entry into most establishments. Owners are asking to be informed on how this measure will work out in practice.

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Photo Source: Old Town La Quinta, The Conversation