96 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours, and with 132 recoveries, making the number of active cases at 2,076. There were 3,049 swabs taken over this period.

This takes the total number of cases up to 9,501. There have been 7,297 recoveries and now 132 deaths, the Ministry said. 419,020 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.

Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci, in here weekly update announced a further 4 deaths – An 85-year old woman who tested positive on 13th of November and passed away yesterday at Mater Dei. A 73-year old man, who tested positive on the 20th of November, passed away earlier today at Mater Dei. A 72-year old man, who tested positive on on the 22nd of November, and passed away earlier today at Mater Dei and an 81-year old man, who tested positive on the 26th of November and also passed away earlier today.

She said that from the total number of active cases, there are currently 75 in Gozo and confirmed that rapid testing is up and running in Gozo. She explained that anyone testing positive from a rapid test will then be given a swab test. There are 6 patients in the Gozo General Hospital, including 1 in ITU.

There are 38 patients receiving treatment in wards at Mater Dei Hospital – there are also 20 in ITU and 10 in IDU, there are 18 at St Thomas Hospital, 22 at Boffa , 71 at The Good Samaritan Long-Term Care Facility and 9 patients receiving treatment at Karen Grech.

She said that the average age of the positive cases this week is 44, with the main age range being between 25 and 44 years of age. There are 4,000 people in quarantine at the moment.

Prof Gauci appealed to everyone who is in isolation to stay at home and to remain separate from others if they are living in a communal household. She also urged anyone who is feeling ill to stay at home and not to go to work.

During the question and answer session with the press, Prof Gauci called for the usual Christmas dinners in large groups to be given a miss this year, saying that she would be having Christmas with just her husband and son.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, has no updated figures for today so far, and is showing that the 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 for Malta, is 347.7 with the number of cases recorded at 9,253, and the number of deaths showing as 122. Malta is currently in 21st position in the EU/EEA and UK. Luxembourg is at the top with 1266.3, followed by Austria with 988.3.

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 swabbing centres are open every day, including the one in Gozo, however appointments must be made on the above number.

Permalink: 96 new Covid-19 cases, currently 75 active cases in Gozo, 6 are in hospital