Prof. Charmaine Gauci, the Superintendent for Public Health gave the latest updates on the coronavirus situation.
Prof. Gauci announced 5 new COVID-19 cases and 2 more people have recovered from the virus. This brings the total number of active cases to 96.
12:54 The press conference ends here. Thank you for following.
12:53 Prof. Gauci said that she will be delivering the press briefings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
12:49 On the re-opening of churches, Prof. Gauci said that this will be discussed today.
Today at 6pm, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi and Gozo’s Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Mario Grech will be meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne to discuss the way forward on whether Churches are to re-open in view of the fact that Prime Minister Robert Abela hinted on Sunday that restaurants and hairdressers amongst other businesses will re-open in the coming days.
12:48 Anti-body testing – Prof. Gauci said that they are establishing the sensitivity of these kits.
Once they find a valid kit they would be able to increase testing.
12:45 Regarding the photos published yesterday which show the number of people on beaches, Prof. Gauci said that she would worry if people do not observe social distancing.
12:44 Asked by Newsbook.com.mt to confirm the nationality of the foreign nationals confirmed positive to coronavirus in the last 24 hrs, Prof. Gauci did not provide an answer.
12:41 Regarding the possibility of entering the 2nd wave Prof. Gauci said that Malta is not yet in that phase.
12:41 Prof. Gauci said that the decision for restaurants to re-open was based on a risk-assessment study.
12:39 Regarding the re-opening of restaurants, Prof. Gauci said that people will feel safe to go if the necessary measures will be in place.
12:37 Regarding the equipment bought by the government to respond to the coronavirus patients treatment, Prof. Gauci said it is important that these remain available.
12:35 A total of 287 healthcare workers at Mater Dei hospital are currently in quarantine.
12:34 Prof. Gauci said that the transition phase is very important to be monitored by authorities.
12:33 Total tests of 1017 were carried out in the past 24 hours.
12:32 Prof. Gauci said that the increased testing will continue as it is a means to control local transmission.
12:30 The new cases:
Maltese male aged 97 – at Karin Grech Hospital.
Male who needed to go the thee emergency department. He is 58-years old and a foreign national.
Maltese female aged 43 – a healthcare worker
Malese female also a healthcare worker.
Male foreign national- he had no symptoms
12:29 Total of active coronavirus cases is 96
12:29 The number of new cases is 5 and 2 more people have recovered.
12:29 Prof. Gauci is addressing the press conference now.
12:25 For the latest updates, you can also download the Newsbook app.
12:24 As per usual the press conference is expected to start at 12:30 pm.
12:17 During yesterday’s press briefing, not all media outlets were present online to ask questions due to technical issues.
We are hoping today we would be able to ask questions.
12:17 Yesterday, Prof. Gauci announced 7 new COVID-19 cases and 4 more people have recovered from the virus.
12:16 This morning the Ministry for Health announced that a total of 50,000 swab tests have been carried out so far.
12:15 Good afternoon and welcome to this live blog.