A record 336 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours from 3,572 swab tests health authorities said, which is a 9.4% positivity rate.
This is the third time in a week that record numbers have been recorded after 263 cases were reported on Sunday and 258 last Friday.
There were also 80 recoveries and 3 new deaths reported. Health authorities advised that during the last 24 hours a 61-year old woman and a 41-year old man passed away at Mater Dei Hospital and a 78-year old woman passed away at her private residence, all while being positive with Covid-19.
There are now 2,931 active cases in Malta and Gozo. The number of swabs taken over this period was 3,572 – rapid tests are now being included in the daily total.
81,883 vaccine doses had been administered till yesterday – Monday. Health authorities said that of these 29,021 were second doses.
The total number of cases are now up to 22,993. There have been 19,743 recoveries and 319 deaths.
705,682 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and [1] Control has advised that it will be reporting figures on a weekly basis – every Thursday. As of week 7, updated on 25th February, it shows that the number of cases recorded for Malta is at 20,892 and the number of deaths showing is 304. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is now 404.03. Malta is currently in 7th position in the EU/EEA. Czechia is at the top with 1120.03.
The ECDC said that the above data are collected between Monday and Wednesday for the proceeding week.
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 deceased, 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.