The Medical Association of Malta is extending its directives until Friday, and has given the government a “one-week ultimatum to deal effectively with the epidemic.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the MAM warned that “the Covid 19 situation has deteriorated significantly leading to sudden and sharp increase in numbers, and that the tally of new cases on today – Wednesday – is expected to reach a new record.”

“On Tuesday 11th August, 4 patients have been admitted to Mater Dei with serious Covid 19 symptoms, bringing the tally to 7 hospitalised patients,” said the Association.

The MAM council, which met on evening, said it resolved that directives have been followed by over 95% of members “making the strike an organisational success.”

“One health centre doctor is reported as positive and another is in quarantine and waiting for the result of testing,” the Council said.

“It argued that the “Government has up to now reversed the decision on Mass events over 300 people, but continues to permit events with numbers up to 300 together with practically minimal and ineffective enforcement, creating ideal conditions for the spread of the virus.”

“The Government also appears in state of denial basing itself on the false premise that hospitalisations are low,” said the MAM,”where on the contrary scientific shows that a death for every 75 total cases is to be expected with 3-6 weeks of onset.”

Following the 3 Baltic states and Ireland, Slovenia, Emilia Romagna and Puglia regions in Italy, and Greece have put restrictions on travel to Malta, after the US Centre for disease control has declared Malta a high-risk area for Covid.

MAM council, said because of these points it resolves that directives will be extended and remain in force up to this coming Friday, the 14th of August.

That MAM said it will then suspend its directives for a week from the 15th of August until Sunday, the 23rd of August

It warned that “unless further measures are taken by the cabinet by that date to effectively bring the epidemic under control, MAM will again put back into force all directives including the suspension of all elective surgery as from Monday, the 24th of August.”

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