Faculties, gyms and non-essential shops – amongst others – will shut down whereas journey to Gozo can be restricted, the federal government mentioned.

At a press convention on the day Malta reported a document 510 instances of the virus, the Prime Minister introduced a collection of recent measures that strongly resemble the measures taken nearly a yr in a day in the past when Malta began to take care of the pandemic.

Prime Minister Robert Abela mentioned numerous measures have been launched over the previous yr relying on scientific recommendation and altering circumstances. New challenges have arisen in current days, he mentioned, asserting that greater than 60% of recent instances found have been linked to essentially the most transmissible UK variant of the virus.

“It’s clear that the vaccine is working and the vaccination fee may be very excessive. Over 100,000 doses administered up to now. However, whereas we assault with the vaccine, we should defend ourselves with measures that cease the unfold. “

Abela mentioned additional steps have to be taken to guard hospitals and cut back the speed of an infection.

From Thursday, shops providing non-essential companies will stay closed. These embrace shops that promote clothes, sportswear, jewellery, perfumes, cosmetics, upholstery, souvenirs, low cost shops, toy shops, and interest shops, florists, vaping outlets, hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattoo artists and nail technicians.

Journey to Gozo will probably be restricted to important actions and residents.

Individuals can not collect in teams of greater than 4 outdoor. Mixing of households, even in personal residences, is strongly discouraged.

All organized sports activities, gymnasiums, cinemas, museums and theaters will shut their doorways.

Weddings and non secular actions will stop, however funerals will proceed.

From Monday, academic institutions will shut till the beginning of the Easter holidays. Till then, the programs will probably be given on-line.

Abela mentioned there was no must introduce new measures on the airport and seaports because the measures in place have been deemed enough.

Abela mentioned there have been clear priorities: defending public well being and the economic system.

The businesses affected by these new measures will profit from the total wage complement throughout their closure.

Abela mentioned the vaccination marketing campaign was essential. He additionally insisted that the federal government will stay behind the entrance strains of the nation.

Useful resource motion

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne mentioned that across the identical time final yr, Mater Dei Hospital had an intensive remedy unit. There are presently three ITU treating sufferers with Covid-19, except two others. One other service is straight away out there and a seventh is pending. There may be additionally an ITU at Gozo Basic Hospital.

“To have the ability to function them, we don’t solely want gear, but additionally human assets.

Non-elective surgical procedure is on maintain so employees might help in ITUs, ”he mentioned. The deputy premier mentioned a plan is in place to make sure that the ready lists that will probably be created on account of these measures will probably be handled within the close to future.

Fearne mentioned the exams used immediately not solely give a constructive or detrimental consequence, but additionally point out which variant of the virus the affected person is contaminated with.

He additionally mentioned the vaccination program was on observe. “We administer between 3,500 and 4,000 doses per day. 17% of the inhabitants obtained the primary dose and eight% obtained each doses. “

Fearne additionally mentioned that 55% of weak individuals and 82% of the aged had been vaccinated.

The European Medicines Company is making ready to approve the fourth vaccine, manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, of which Malta has reserved 250,000 doses.

Two extra vaccination facilities are anticipated to open on Friday – one at MCAST and the opposite at Aurora in Gozo.

Keep away from social contact

Fearne mentioned the UK variant is very transmissible and the one method to cut back the unfold is to cut back social contact as a lot as attainable. “Individuals must be accountable and, as a lot as attainable, keep away from social contact.”

He additionally admitted that the contact tracing service is beneath elevated stress as a result of excessive variety of instances. “We’re growing human assets on this sector in order that we will attain constructive individuals inside 24 hours and their contacts inside days.”

Superintendent of Well being Charmaine Gauci mentioned the virus has all the time introduced challenges and the variant impacts transmission. “We’ve got all the time tried to regulate the state of affairs whereas offering our sufferers with the highest quality of care.”

The truth that the demise fee is declining reveals that the vaccine is profitable in defending the aged and weak, she mentioned.

“It’s true that these are extreme, however it can be crucial that we observe them rigorously,” she mentioned.

When requested if the aged ought to keep indoors, Gauci mentioned they need to be extra cautious. If they should store, they need to keep away from rush hour, and prevention measures like sporting masks and washing palms stay extra vital than ever.

Fearne added that the measures in place in nursing properties will stay in the meanwhile because the vaccine remains to be not 100% efficient (however round 95%) and given the excessive numbers locally.

No well being emergency

Requested why he didn’t declare a public well being emergency, the prime minister mentioned the nation was in a distinct state of affairs final yr. “On the time, there was quite a bit that we did not know and we did not have the vaccine both. We spoke with the specialists. The best approach would have been to present all of the tasks to Professor Gauci, however we determined to take duty collectively.

Requested by this newsroom as to why he has not declared a lockdown, Abela mentioned: “Professional recommendation has not led us on this route however, nonetheless, we’re intensifying measures to restrict the measures. solely important components. “

Gauci added that the measures taken are “all the time proportionate to the state of affairs”.

Requested if he nonetheless wished to be prime minister and if he nonetheless felt the proper match for the job, Abela mentioned he would proceed to work with dedication to see the nation emerge from this problem.

MUMN President Paul Tempo mentioned The impartial of Malta Earlier immediately, the rise within the variety of instances means medical doctors should begin selecting between who will reside and who will die, whereas MAM President Martin Balzan, whereas addressing this newsroom, mentioned known as on the general public to take issues into their very own palms and keep house, somewhat than ready for the federal government to challenge restrictions.

The federal government press convention could be adopted beneath and will probably be up to date reside. Hold refreshing for brand new particulars.

Suspended spiritual features – Church

In a press release, the Church confirmed that each one spiritual features are suspended with quick impact, apart from funeral plenty and wedding ceremony celebrations.

These measures will stay in impact till April 11.

Main church buildings will stay open for personal prayer, however guests ought to observe all precautionary measures.

The Bishops of Malta and Gozo urged the general public to proceed to watch the rules and known as for prayer. Additionally they urged worshipers to observe Mas every day on TVM2, Knisja.mt and Newsbook.com.mt