Today marks exactly one year since the World Health Organisation declared the Coronavirus a pandemic.

283 Covid-19 cases recorded in the past 24-hours from 4,746 swab tests – making a 5.96% positivity rate. Rapid tests are also now being included in the total .

Health authorities said there are now 3,123 active cases in Malta and Gozo.

There were also 338 recoveries, and four deaths reported. Authorities said that in the last 24-hours 3 men, aged 79, 72 and 60, and an 80-year old have woman passed away at Mater Dei Hospital while being positive for Covid-19.

The total number of cases are now up to 25,640, and there have been 22,176 recoveries and 341 deaths.

742,643 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.

108,971 doses of the vaccine have been administered up until yesterday, of which 36,246 were second doses. This means that 72,725 people have been vaccinated.

Further mitigation measures have been introduced following the surge in the number of cases yesterday, with 510 reported.

These come into effect from as from today, and include the closure of non-essential shops, services and non essential travel to Gozo is stopped, essential crossings are permitted, such as for work, or those who have a property in Gozo. Groups permitted in public have been reduced to 4 persons from 6.

All educational establishments will close as from Monday, the 15th of March and lessons are to be online. Childcare centres also have to close from Monday.

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 9, updated on 11th March, it shows that the number of cases recorded for Malta is at 24,559 and the number of deaths showing is 334. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is now 720.42. Malta is currently in 3rd position in the EU/EEA. Czechia is at the top with 1572.02.

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 new Covid-19 cases, 338 recoveries and 4 deaths reported