Update from Health Ministry below – Health Authorities have advised there were 49 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the past 24-hours, with 3 new recoveries. It noted that a record number of swab tests had been taken – 2,200.

This is far fewer cases than was thought, with the MAM this morning warning that a new record number of cases were expected to be announced today

From the information provided on social media by authorities, they said that today’s new cases include 6 from Mount Carmel Hospital cluster, 4 from the Jurassic Park crew cluster and 3 from Balzan Football Club.

Authorities said that “contact tracing is still ongoing for the rest of the cases – 36.”

Update:

In a statement the Health Ministry has said that from the record 2,200 swab tests, 49 positive cases were found.

Regarding reports of 70+ cases that were to be announced today, a spokesperson for the Ministry said that 22 migrants who had already previously tested positive, and therefore included in results before, were tested again yesterday. The results were still positive, and had been added the figure of new cases in error.

The Ministry called for “responsibility at this time, and not to speculate numbers or spread fake news, alarming people for nothing.”

It said that to date, there are no patients in the Intensive Care Unit and therefore everyone should be cautious in their comments about patients in a critical condition.

The Ministry of Health thanked all the health workers who, it said, are doing everything possible to combat the spread of Covid 19.

Carrying out a large number of swab tests, is one of the most effective anti-Covid-19 measures, so as to isolate positive cases, place in quarantine anyone who had contact with them, and thereby further reducing the spread, the Ministry said.

There are now 486 active cases, with 1,190 cases in total. 695 have recovered and there have been 9 deaths.

147,411 swab tests have been taken since the start.

The authorities are recommending that the public avoid all crowded areas.

Public Health Authorities said that anyone who needs to take a test should call 111 to set an appointment, even if they do not have any symptoms. It is to be noted that due to the large volume of calls, it can take some time to get through.

All 3 swabbing centres are open every day, including the one in Gozo, however appointments must be made.

 

Permalink: Update: 49 new Covid-19 cases, 13 related to different clusters and 36 sporadic cases