In a statement on Tuesday morning regarding the relaxing of measures, the Medical Association of Malta said contrary to what was said at the press conference on Monday, the situation is “not as stable as claimed.”

The MAM said that it appreciated the government’s effort to gradually relaunch the economy and as much as possible secure the livelihoods of people.

The Association said however, it felt that “the serious medical risks arising from such measures can only be prevented by honest and unbiased information, strict discipline on social distancing, and hygiene which is regulated and vigorously enforced with fines.”

“The mistakes made with the voluntary quarantine after air travel should not be repeated,” it said. “Furthermore full and honest information should be provided to clients about potential risks.”

MAM said that it would like to express the following reservations about statements made on Monday evening:

1.” The current data indicate there has been a spike in the last week and the situation is not stable as stated. 14 cases on Saturday are equivalent to 1700 cases in Italy in a day.

Furthermore Mater Dei in the last 10 days faced the worst crisis since the start of epidemic with 3 wards needing to be closed, and a record 287 persons on quarantine. The fact that this was not acknowledged, while on the contrary giving the impression that all is well, undermines the confidence of the general public.

2. There has been no consultation at all with the Medical Association of Malta with regard to the transition measures in the health service and their impact on health and safety of medical personnel, and MAM will be asking for urgent meetings with management.

3. The opening of restaurants will not be subject to regulations but to guidelines which are not obligatory and not enforceable by fines. This goes against the basic principles of public health where enforcement is essential to protect the general public.

It is like a game of football with no rules and no referee. Furthermore full information should be given to the public in particular that covid can be shed on plates, on cutlery, and on tables, as social distancing only prevents airborne transmission.

4. Vulnerable groups especially the elderly are on one side being encouraged not to quarantine, while on the other hand it was stated that the virus is still around and one should follow social distancing. It amounts to saying go and have fun but if you get sick or die don’t blame me.

5. Expanding the size of groups in public to six and at the same time recommend social distancing does not make sense and is contradictory and confuses the general public.”

The Association stressed that “overall the relaxing of measures may in the short term have economic benefits, but on the other hand one cannot deny the presence of significant health risks where health care professional may be the ones to suffer most.”

MAM concluded by saying that it will monitor the situation closely and react accordingly. “The wellbeing and good health of healthcare professionals and the general public will remain its top priority.”

Photo by Alain Salvary

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