248 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours from 4,470 swab tests, rapid tests are also now being included in the total – making a 5.54 % positivity rate. Health authorities said there are now 3,035 active cases in Malta and Gozo.
There were also 390 recoveries, and one death reported. Authorities said that in the last 24-hour an 88-year old man passed away at his private residence while being positive for Covid-19.
Health authorities had advised that amendments are underway on the Legal Notice issued last week [1] regarding closure of food and drink outlets, with take-away only to be served.
These updates are relating to eating, drinking and smoking outside, which has caused some confusion as to what is legal or not, after some people were fined for not wearing a mask outside when they were eating a takeaway
Authorities said that the amendment will permit the public to temporarily remove their mask to eat, drink or smoke outside, but this will be on the condition that they are not walking.
There was an increase in vaccine doses which had been administered till yesterday at 101,776. Health authorities said that of these 34,181 were second doses, meaning 67,595 people have received a vaccination so far.
The total number of cases are now up to 24,847. There have been 21,477 recoveries and 335 deaths.
733,474 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and [2] 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.