103 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours in Malta and Gozo from only 2,252 swab tests – making a 4.57% positivity rate. There were also 332 recoveries, and four deaths reported.

Authorities said that in the last 24-hours four men aged, 68, 72, 73 and 80, have passed away at Mater Dei Hospital while Covid-19 positive.

Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci, in her weekly update, said that in Gozo, there are currently 86 active cases, down from 142 last week, of these 4 patients are recovering in the Gozo General Hospital (down 8 on last week) with 2 in ITU (down 1 on last week).

In Mater Dei, there are 20 patients in ITU (down 9 on last week) 6 in IDU (down 3) with a further 64 patients across other wards of the hospital (down 23).

Prof Gauci said the seven-day moving average of cases per day was now 146, down from 368 last week.

She advised that the average age of new cases in the last week was 39 and the average age at death is 74.3. Prof Gauci also said that 6 persons who had been given both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, had died of the virus.

Households again made up the largest number of cases over the last week, with 177, this was followed by social gatherings at 39.

She stressed that “numbers are now decreasing because of the measures in place, it was not because the virus is going away,” and reiterated the importance of observing all the mitigation measures. Prof Gauci urged everyone to be responsible over the next public holidays in order to avoid another spike in numbers.

Prof Gauci said that as at the 23rd of March 76% of all cases identified were with the UK variant, it had previously risen to 79.2% of cases on the 18th of March. She advised that this variant remains “a concern.”

Speaking about the reduced number of swab tests carried out over the last week, Prof Gauci advised that this was because there are less people requesting to be tested. However, she urged anyone experincing symptoms to call for a test.

Prof Gauci also advised that a plan is currently being drafted by the authorities to ease the country out of the partial lockdown, which is due to end on the 11th of April. She provided no other details as to what this would be.

Health authorities said there are now 1,853 active cases in Malta and Gozo. The total number of cases are up to 28,715 and there have been 26,480 recoveries and 382 deaths.

797,899 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.

166,104 doses of the vaccine have been administered up until yesterday, of which 48,933 were fully vaccinated second doses, while 68,238 have now received one dose.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has advised that it will be reporting figures on a weekly basis – every Thursday. As of the 24th March, it shows that the number of cases recorded for Malta is at 28,319 and the number of deaths showing is 373. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is now 586.32. Malta is currently in 7th position in the EU/EEA. Estonia is at the top with 1520.79.

The ECDC said that the above data are collected between Monday and Wednesday for the proceeding week.

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: Gozo currently has 86 active Covid cases, 4 are in hospital including 2 in ITU