The introduction of new restrictive measures aimed at curbing the surge of Covid-19 in communities, has been welcomed by the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine.

It went on to say that “it is imperative that such measures are complemented by effective enforcement, in a bid to improve on the evident societal complacency.”

In a statement on Saturday evening, MAPHM said that “with community transmission of the virus having reached new heights, such restrictions need to be imposed to limit interactions, particularly in view of the emergence of more contagious virus variants.

“We hope that these targeted measures, together with renewed individual discipline which is effectively enforced will be sufficient to halt this trend,” the Association said. “Time will tell us more, and whether measures will need to be increased further.”

The Association stressed that the selection of measures needs to be regularly evaluated and adjusted based on the constantly changing situation and emerging scientific evidence.

The MAPHM stated that at this stage of the pandemic where vaccine roll out is still in its early stages, spread in the community is high and our ITU beds are nearly full, “we all need to make a final effort until the proportion of vaccinated persons is sufficient to reduce the spread to more manageable levels.”

It also warned that “the number of cases also must go down to avoid being blacklisted by other countries, which will in turn impact heavily on the potential tourism coming our way.”

Whilst the new measures limit private gatherings to a maximum of four households, “we appeal to the good sense and responsibility of all and emphasise that the risk of infection is cumulative and increases with the more people one meets,” it said.

The Association said that “mixing of households is strongly discouraged and should be limited as much as possible. One must realise that by mixing households particularly when disregarding mitigation measures, one puts those most dear to them at risk.”

Where possible one should use virtual means to work and socialise and avoid non-essential activities, the MAPHM said. “We urge the public to uphold the effective measures of distancing, hand hygiene and appropriate wearing of masks now more than ever since the more transmissible UK variant appears be gaining momentum.”

The Association voiced its “continued support to the Superintendent of Public Health who was subjected to an unjust attack and asked to defend her position in office during the last press conference.”

The MAPHM concluded by saying that, “she together with her team have been instrumental in providing the technical advice in an unprecedented and stressful situation where tough considerations were and are still necessary but always in the best interest of public health.”

Permalink: MAPHM welcomes new measures, but must have effective enforcement