World opens with safe mass events as Malta lags behind

May 23 2021

The following photos have all been taken from different events throughout this single week: Monaco Grand Prix, Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, and Premier League Match day 37. Despite the world seemingly opening up and experimenting with safe approaches to mass events, Malta, which has one of the best vaccination rollouts and is so close to herd immunity, still is not on the pathway to normality when it comes to the cultural and entertainment sector.

As of time of writing, Malta has 104.46 total vaccinations per 100 persons who received their jab, ranking behind Israel at 104.46. Herd immunity is also in immense proximity. Despite this, social media was taken by storm following a statement by Jason Micallef that mass events are being ruled out completely for the summer.

Test events and parties where attendees did not wear masks but provided proof of vaccination and/or PCR test results are currently yielding early results which indicate their safety. Malta still is not moving towards this approach however, even banning DJs from playing. Many are calling for a reassessment of the situation, especially as tourism is set to reopen by June, with the cultural sector being one of the most important for tourism to flourish.

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Malta expected to reach herd immunity in coming hours

May 23 2021

The herd immunity threshold is about to be surpassed by Malta in the coming hours. Considering that by May 10th, the island had 60% of its population vaccinated by at least the first dose, a 7-day moving moving average prediction would mean that today, 23rd May, Malta could in fact achieve this goal. This is because an average daily increase of 3,124 doses is being administered.

The National Statistics Office states that 432,616 adults are eligible for vaccination, out of which 70% need to be vaccinated for Malta to declare herd immunity. The achievement of herd immunity was seen by many as a gateway back to normality, however authorities still maintain that several health restrictions are to be kept in order to avoid spikes. Mass events are still however being ruled out for the entirety of summer 2021, even though herd immunity will be well achieved by then.

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Photo Source: Charmaine Gauci FB, LandLoopers

WATCH: Lone protestor calling for mask removal says Malta is worse than Russia

May 23 2021

A lone protestor wielding a megaphone in St Julians took to the streets to demand the removal of masks as a mandatory COVID-19 health restriction. He begins his message by stating that he ‘received a message from Russia., and says that despite calling Vladimir Putin a dictator, the Russian president ‘set his people free.’

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He says Malta is worse off than Russia in this regard, and continues to say that ‘your fear is not taking away my freedom’, with ‘they’ possibly referring to Maltese authorities. He then shouts out ‘Let us breathe like the Russians, like Israelis, like the Jews. They don’t wear masks outside.’ Anti-mask protests haven’t been scarce these last few weeks, with the crusade seemingly ongoing.

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Source: shadyvillager TikTok

WATCH: Italy’s Damiano David denies having done cocaine during live broadcast

May 23 2021

The lead singer of Italy’s Eurovision Song Contest 2021 winner Maneskin, Damiano David, denied having done cocaine during the live broadcast. When asked during the Eurovision Press Conference, the singer refuted the idea that he was inhaling the substance whilst also asking commentators to not ask about it.

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‘I don’t use drugs, please guys, do not say that. No cocaine.’ The questions followed after the singer was seen bending down towards a table and making a rapid head movement to the side. Many took to social media to point this out, leading to several questions and outright condemnation of the act should it be legitimate.

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Photo Source: Eurovision Song Contest YouTube Channel