40 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours, with 144 recoveries. The number of swabs taken over this period was considerably lower, almost half the usual number made at 1,776. This makes the number of active cases now at 1,901.
In a separate statement, the Health Ministry advised that two more people have died while being positive with Covid-19.
A 77-year old man, who tested positive for Covid-19 on the 4th of December, passed away yesterday at Mater Dei Hospital.
The second person was an 89-year old woman who was confirmed positive for Covid-19 yesterday and passed away earlier today at Mater Dei Hospital.
Authorities said that today’s cases are “still being investigated.” From yesterday’s 139 cases; 18 were family members of previously known cases, 17 were contacts of positive work colleagues, 11 cases were from direct contacts with other positive cases. Details were not given for the other outstanding 93 sporadic cases.
This takes the total number of cases up to 10,699. There have been 8,641 recoveries and now 157 deaths, the Ministry said. 450,362 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and [1] Control, is showing that the number of cases recorded for Malta up to yesterday is at 10,659 and the number of deaths showing as 155. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is 310.6 Malta is currently in 22nd position in the EU/EEA and UK. Luxembourg is at the top with 1185.9, followed by Croatia with 1141.9.
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.
The Ministry of Health, while offering its condolences to the relatives of the families who have passed away, called on the public to continue to follow the preventive measures so that we can protect the most vulnerable in our society – This includes wearing of masks, social distancing and hand hygiene.