96 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours, with 87 recoveries and 2 more deaths registered, making the total number of active cases now 1,879. The number of swabs taken over this period was 2,840.

This takes the total number of cases up to 10,980. There have been 8,935 recoveries and now 166 deaths, the Ministry said. 458,737 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.

In her weekly update, Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci said that there are 2 patients currently receiving treatment in the Gozo General Hospital. Out of the total number of active cases, there are 55 in Gozo.

She said that the two people that died are a 75-year old man, who tested positive for the virus on the 27th of November and passed away yesterday at the St Vincent de Paule Residence, the second was a 96-year old man who tested positive on the 28th of November and passed away yesterday at Mater Dei Hospital

In Malta, at Mater Dei Hospital there are 17 in ITU, 7 in IDU, with 36 in other wards. 18 are at St Thomas, 16 at Boffa, 7 at Karin Grech, 2 at Mount Carmel and 80 at the Good Samaritan Long-Term Facility.

Prof Gauci said that there has been rise in positive cases for those aged 25-34 and 35-44, she explained that this was most likely down to being work related transmission.

She went on to say that the 7-day moving average figure is 98, adding that this shows the implemented measures have made an impact, combined with the contact tracing.

The highest mortality rate has been noted in those aged 75-84, and are predominantly males.

She also reiterated her appeal as last week, to keep Christmas meal celebrations, including meals, within their own household, and not to invite others from outside, so there is less risk of transmission.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is showing that the number of cases recorded for Malta is at 10,884 and the number of deaths showing as 164. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is 294.4 Malta is currently in 23rd position in the EU/EEA and UK. Luxembourg is at the top with 1292.9, followed by Croatia with 1186.5.

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.

Permalink: 96 new Covid-19 cases, 55 active cases in Gozo, 2 in hospital