The Nationalist Party in a statement, has said that it is time to re-declare a national public health emergency.

“The timing of this decision cannot wait any longer,” said Stephen Spiteri the Opposition spokesperson for health. “Our country is going through difficulties related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a major and serious challenge for the field of health services.”

He went on to say that the Government “must ensure that services and healthcare in our country are not under so much pressure that it collapses to the detriment of the lives of our sick and anyone in need.”

He stressed that the spread of the virus appears to be picking up, with 100 positive cases today alone. Spiteri argued that, “this is a direct result of the policy of Prime Minister Robert Abela who told us that the only waves are in the sea.”

According to Stephen Spiteri, “contact tracing is losing the efficiency needed to contain the spread. The intensive care wards are full. All this is conveying a clear message, a red light, an emergency.”

The Nationalist Party is against lockdown, he said, “and precisely because it is against lockdown it is important to declare a national public health emergency as soon as possible so that the Superintendent of Public Health can be given authority over important decisions.”

The number of people infected per day is very high for the population of our country, and when calculating the per capita rate, our country is at the forefront, said Spiteri. We are seeing an increase in infections in the vulnerable, our elderly and those receiving treatment for other diseases

“To date we have a total of 41 virus-related victims, which also puts us at the forefront as a rate,” he said.

As stated by the Leader of the Nationalist Party, “the Prime Minister should force Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Parnis to take responsibility.” said Spiteri.

“We want to ensure the best protection for those who need it most. Health should be a priority. We must all be responsible, and observe all the Public Health Authority measures.

“The Government has an obligation to see what is best for our population,” stated Spiteri. “The lives of many depend on timely decisions. The Public Health Emergency must be considered as a matter of urgency and made without further delay.”

The Nationalist Party concluded by “again thanking the good work done by the Superintendent of Public Health, her staff as well as all those who have been at the forefront of service in recent months.”

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