During Sunday’s update on the current Covid-19 situation, Supt of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci said that 9 new cases had been reported in the past 24-hours, from 1,071 tests. 35,012 swab tests have been taken so far.

She went on to say that there are 477 cases, 13 more people have recovered, making 372 in total, 81 cases are currently active, and there have been 4 deaths.

Prof Gauci explained that 5 of the new cases were asymptomatic and the remaining 4 experienced mild and normal symptoms. The ages of the new cases range from 18 to 45 years old. Contact tracing is being carried out.

Gauci added that 7 patients are being treated at Boffa Hospital, 5 at St Thomas, 1 in ITU, 1 in IDU and the remaining patients are recovering at home.

She went on to stress that the virus is still present in the community and it is therefore important to continue with testing and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities.

Prof Gauci also encouraged the public to make use of the new app launched last week, which so far as been used by 26,699.

A legal notice has been published regarding the new measures which come into force tomorrow, Prof Gauci reminded that it will be compulsory to wear a mask on public transport and when entering retail outlets. The legal notice would also allow enforcement officers to monitor the retail outlets.

The public is advised to use non medical face masks (cloth masks) or visor.

Gauci also explained that vulnerable people, including the over 65s will not be allowed to cross to Gozo.

She also warned that Malta is still in a state of public health emergency, and as yet it is still too early for churches to open for religious services.

Permalink: 9 new Covid-19 cases reported, 5 were asymptomatic, 13 people recovered