What will the weather be like for the end of 2021 and early new year?

Dec 31 2021

A glimpse outside suggests that the last day of 2021 will be sunny weather, but many are wondering when the stormy and rainy forecasts are expected.

The change in weather is expected to arrive on the 8th and 9th of January, meaning we’ll be making up for this sunny weather with some early January storms.

However, we can enjoy sunny and slightly cloudy skies for the last day of the year, with a wind force 3. Highest temperatures are set to hit 17 degrees Celsius and lowest 12 degrees.

The same weather is forecasted for tomorrow the 1st of January 2022, with winds going slightly up to force 4. Highest temperatures will hit 19 degrees, with lowest at 12 as well.

However, many are opting for an indoor celebration. Given the recent spike in COVID cases, many cancelled their bookings and decided to celebrate inside with their loved ones.

For anyone still venturing out to celebrate these past, and quite chaotic, 12 months, we advise you celebrate responsibly and stay safe.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: On Site Malta

Malta will ban sale of single-use plastic products in 2022

Malta will ban sale of single-use products plastics in 2022

Dec 31 2021

Plastic straws, jablo cups, cotton buds and beverage stirrers will be among the items banned in Malta going into the next year.

As Malta moves into its second stage of the battle against single-use plastic, it became one of the first countries to prohibit the importation of several such products from January 1st 2021.

This ban will now be extending to the actual sale and distribution of such products in 2022, with the legal notice banning the sale published on Christmas Eve coming into effect on 24th February 2022.

The Environment ministry issued a statement Thursday saying that ‘this is being enacted as part of the government’s vision to strengthen the environment, tackle marine pollution and improve the quality of our biodiversity.’

#MaltaDaily

Hospitality industry bracing for most challenging New Year’s Eve due to COVID

Dec 31 2021

The hospitality industry is bracing for what could be the most challenging New Year’s Eve as the rapid spread of COVID-19 cases has led to massive staff shortages and cancellations.

With well over 10,000 active cases reached yesterday, the number of people currently under quarantine has also continued to climb, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands.

This platform got in touch with multiple business owners, especially those in the catering industry, to get an insider look into the situation.

Many informed this newsroom that as of the early stages of December, the New Year’s celebrations were looking great. Many even reported being fully booked in anticipation.

However, the quick and massive surge in cases heavily effected the bookings, with restaurant owners reporting that they had numerous cancellations for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day functions.

Some even decided to close down as it was not worth paying for supplies given the cancellations. The main reasons for the cancellations were quarantined or COVID positive individuals. This also had a domino effect on beauty parlours who also reported to this platform that multiple cancellations were called in as many found no need for appointments given they were not attending any celebrations.

Those who aren’t quarantined or positive have also reported preferring to celebrate indoors with loved ones or friends, feeling much safer doing so.

Given the new quarantine measures, the situation could likely improve. Health officials encourage people to get vaccinated and boosted so as to mitigate the rise and until then exercise caution.

#MaltaDaily

Some pharmacies forced to close due to staff shortages

Dec 31 2021

Several pharmacies around Malta are being forced to either close or consider closing temporarily as they struggle a shortage of staff members.

The predicament comes due to COVID-19 infections and quarantines, president of the pharmacy and pharmaceutical division of the Malta Chamber of SMEs revealed to Times of Malta yesterday.

Highlighting the massive importance of pharmacies, Mario Debono said that they are not shops and that they depend on healthcare professionals to operate.

No pharmacy can open without a pharmacist, he emphasised, noting that pharmacists are already in short supply and that this has now been made worse due to many being in quarantine.

Debono said that ‘it’s a shame that no one offered any help at all, even with rent and electricity subsidies.’

‘Our job is not to close but to continue delivering healthcare and medicines to patients. We are sharing resources as much as we can but some temporary closures are inevitable.’

The situation also accompanies a lack of staff in the Human Resources at Mater Dei Hospital. With close to a 100 nurses in quarantine, the situation has been described as very dire.

The government announced on Wednesday that some quarantine periods will be shorter, meaning that this could see many returning to the work force far quicker and possibly aid in the crisis.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Financial Times