52 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours from 1,762 swab tests – making a 2.89% positivity rate. There were also 146 recoveries, and 2 deaths reported.

Authorities said that in the last 24-hours, 2 men aged 69 and 71, 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 32 active cases, down from 86 last week, of these 4 patients are recovering in the Gozo General Hospital (same as last week) with 1 in ITU (down 1 on last week).

In Mater Dei, there are 14 patients in ITU (down 6 on last week) 10 in IDU (up 4) with a further 44 patients across other wards of the hospital (down 20).

Prof Gauci said the seven-day moving average of cases per day was now 68, down from 145 last week. The seven-day moving average of PCR tests is 3%.

She advised that the average age of new cases in the last week was 39 and the average age at death is 74.7.

Households again made up the largest number of cases over the last week, with 162, this was followed by social gatherings at 55.

Prof Gauci said that 76% of all cases identified were with the UK variant and once again warned that it was a “concern.” She reiterated that there is still transmission within the community and urged everyone to follow the preventative measures.

She urged all those the aged of 75 who have not received an apponitment for a vaccine to call 145 and reiterated that they are now focusing the programme on people over 60.

Prof Gauci said that there was no information as yet as to when the Johnson and Johnson vaccine would arrive.

Health authorities said that active cases are now down to 740 in Malta and Gozo. The total number of cases stand at 29,085 and there have been 27,951 recoveries and 394 deaths.

811,102 swab tests have been taken since the start of the pandemic in Malta.

197,383 doses of the vaccine have been administered up until yesterday, of which 54,578 were fully vaccinated second doses, while 88,227 have now received the initial 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 1st April, it shows that the number of cases recorded for Malta is at 28,938 and the number of deaths showing is 388. The 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is now 375.46. Malta is currently in 17th position in the EU/EEA. Estonia is at the top with 1364.06.

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.

Photo by Anthony Zammit

Permalink: 32 active Covid-19 cases in Gozo, with 4 in hospital, 1 in ITU