283 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours from from 3,799 swab tests health authorities said, which is a 7.4% positivity rate. There are now 3,252 active cases.

There were also 156 recoveries and 3 new deaths reported. Health authorities advised that during the last 24 hours, two men aged 47 and 69 and a 76-year old woman have passed away at Mater Dei Hospital, while being positive with Covid-19.

Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci, in her weekly update, said that the reason for the increase in cases is because of the variant, which is also causing community spread. There is a rise in cases among schools, but no large clusters have been registered.

She said that there is an increases in cases in both Gozo and Malta.

In Gozo, there are 193 active cases, 19  patients are recovering in the Gozo General Hospital, with 4 in ITU.

There are 150 patients recovering in hospitals in Malta and Gozo,

Prof Gauci said said that the average age over the last week was 38.9, the same as last week. The seven-day moving average of cases per day was now 270, she reiterated that this is very high she said, and appealed once again for everyone to adhere to the mitigation measures.

She announced that Malta has now approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for those aged up to 70. This means that those people aged over 60 will start receiving invites to be vaccinated.

People aged from 60 to 70 years of age will be offered the vaccine at the same time as those aged between 75 and 80, who will be able to have the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

The number of swabs taken over this period was 3,799 – rapid tests are now being included in the daily total.

89,946 vaccine doses had been administered till yesterday – Thursday. Health authorities said that of these 31,034 were second doses.

The total number of cases are now up to 23,871. There have been 20,291 recoveries and 328 deaths.

717,281 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has advised that it will be reporting figures on a weekly basis – every Thursday. As of week 8, updated on 4th March, it shows that the number of cases recorded for Malta is at 22,657 and the number of deaths showing is 316. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is now 527.05. Malta is currently in 2nd position in the EU/EEA. Czechia is at the top with 1395.10.

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.

Permalink: 283 Covid cases, 193 cases in Gozo, 19 in hospital, 4 in ITU