COVID-19 pandemic in Malta explained

COVID-19 pandemic in Malta
Disease:COVID-19
Virus Strain:SARS-CoV-2
Location:Malta
First Case:Valletta
Arrival Date:7 March 2020
Origin:Wuhan, Hubei, China
Confirmed Cases:121,034[1]
Recovery Cases:119,631
Deaths:871
Active Cases:136
Vaccinations:1,550,000

The COVID-19 pandemic in Malta was a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 . The first case of the disease in Malta was an Italian 12-year-old girl on 7 March 2020. The girl and her family were in isolation, as required by those following the Maltese health authority's guidelines who were in Italy or other highly infected countries.[2] Later, both her parents were found positive as well.

A mandatory quarantine was imposed on travellers and those who were possibly in contact with those who travelled abroad. A mandatory lockdown was imposed on those over the age of 65 or those with chronic health conditions.[3] WHO praised the Maltese government's response to the pandemic,[4] before the number of cases rose to 52 on 7 April. On May Day, because the reproductive rate of the virus was below 0, the first relaxation of some measures were announced.[5]

Malta's second wave of the virus, which was more severe, began in the summer of 2020.[6]

On 12 May 2021, the Minister for Health, Chris Fearne, stated that Malta would be the first EU country to open up the vaccine to its population of over 16 years of age.[7] On 25 May 2021, Fearne announced that 70% of the Maltese population had become fully vaccinated, making it the first nation in the world to reach the minimum estimated benchmark for herd immunity against the virus.[8]

Malta has reported 121034 confirmed cases, 119631 recoveries and 871 deaths, while 136 cases remain active.

a total of 1,279,922 vaccine doses have been administered.[9]

Background

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.[10] [11] Early in the pandemic, it was noted that the case fatality ratio for COVID-19 was much lower than SARS of 2003[12] [13] but that the transmission was significantly greater and would thus lead to a significant total death toll.[14]

Timeline

See main article: Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta. On 7 March, Malta reported its first three cases of coronavirus: an Italian family consisting of a 12-year-old girl and her parents, who arrived in Malta on 3 March from Rome after a holiday in Trentino. The girl was the first case, with the parents testing positive for the coronavirus later in the day. They had been in self-quarantine since arriving from Italy, and they were held in isolation at Mater Dei Hospital.[15]

On 23 March, the total number of confirmed cases in the country crossed over 100 as another seventeen new cases were reported.[16]

The first death due to COVID-19 in Malta was reported on 8 April in a press-conference held by the Minister for Health & Superintendent of Public Health. The deceased was a 92-year-old woman from Gozo.[17]

On 8 August, the total number of confirmed cases in the country crossed over 1000. On 2 December, the total number of confirmed cases in the country crossed over 10,000.

In May 2021, Malta became the first EU country to open up the vaccine to the entire population.[7] On 25 May 2021, the Minister for Health announced that 70% of the Maltese population had become fully vaccinated, making it the first nation in the world to reach the minimum estimated benchmark for herd immunity against the virus.[8]

Government response

Health and precautions

On 24 January 2020, the Superintendent for Public Health, Charmaine Gauci, predicted low exposure due to no direct flights between Malta and China.[18]

On 24 February, the health authorities announced that all passengers arriving in Malta were to be screened by thermal cameras; two thermal scanning devices were installed in Malta International Airport. Passengers disembarking from vessels at the Grand Harbour and catamaran terminal in Marsa were also scanned. At Mater Dei Hospital, all patients with respiratory symptoms were checked for COVID-19.[19]

On 25 February, the Ministry for Health recommended travellers coming from Italy to self-quarantine for 14 days and for all citizens not to travel to regions of Italy affected by the outbreak.[20] [21] As the Italy coronavirus pandemic proceeded south with the first case discovered in Palermo, panic buying ensued and supermarkets were emptied.[22] [23]

Maltese chandlers and ship workers refused to board vessels from Italy to unload cargo, unless they were provided supervision and clearance by medical doctors.[24] The Malta Union of Teachers recommended members not to accept any homework from students who were unwell and requested students and teachers who visited countries affected by the virus to stay home.[25]

Some work places requested their staff who recently returned from Italy to work from home as well as deferred non-essential travels to Italy.[26]

On 11 March, a travel ban has been placed on trips to Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland, in addition to the ban on trips to Italy, which had been placed on 9 March.[27] Additionally anyone travelling back from mentioned countries must follow a mandatory self-quarantine. Disobeying the order makes the individuals subject to a €1,000 fine.[28]

Hunting controversy

Most activities were banned in Malta in early 2020 and violators risked being fined for public health risks. Although the government allowed the hunting season to commence, the Public Health Superintendent left the decision to a government-set committee, which allowed it. This increased pressure on police and health authorities.[29] Several illegal activities related to hunting were reported with no police presence. As soon as police were informed of individual illegal activities, the individuals were tipped off and left the scene with protected birds in non-hunting protected zones.[30] In the midst of the pandemic, the Cabinet at Castille had a closed door meeting with hunting lobby over permanently sealing off natural reserves from the public and allowing access only to registered hunters.[31]

Measures for containment

On 11 March, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a ban on all sea and air travel (except for cargo) and a mandatory quarantine on travellers returning from the most infested countries of France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain from that day onwards, together with Italy, for which it applied for the previous 14 days. Infringements were to be penalised with a €1,000 each time.[32]

On 12 March, the Prime Minister announced a number of measures including:

  1. Closure of all schools, university and childcare centres for a week;
  2. Closure of day centres for the elderly;
  3. Stop religious activities unless absolutely necessary;
  4. Television channel TVM2 will be transmitting religious activities in agreement with the Archbishop;
  5. All football games to be played behind closed doors. Other matches were postponed;
  6. No political activities.[33]

On 13 March, mandatory quarantine was extended to travellers returning from any country. This was also published on the Malta Tourism Authority's and Air Malta's websites.[34] [35] [36]

Following reports from spot checks, Malta tripled its mandatory quarantine fine to €3,000 each time since 16 March.[37] Later on in the evening, Abela informed the nation that all gyms, bars and restaurants would temporarily close. Food and Beverage outlets were to be allowed to operate only if they were offering take away and/or delivery service.[38]

On 22 March, Minister for Health Chris Fearne announced three more measures:[39]

Any infringements were to be charged with a €3,000 fine each time.

On the evening of 23 March, the Maltese government raised the fine for those infected up to €10,000.[40] [41]

On 28 March, the government announced decisions related to education institutions and exams. These included:[42]

On 16 October, due to a massive spike in cases, the Maltese Government announced new measures that would go into effect on 19 October. These were:

On 10 March 2021, following 510 new reported cases, the Maltese Government announced new measures that would go into effect on 11 March. These were:[43]

On 5 August 2021, the Maltese Government announced a number of new measures, these were that:[44]

On 9 December 2021, Minister for Health Chris Fearne announced that as of 11 December, mask wearing would be obligatory in all public places, regardless of whether they were indoors or outdoors, as well as if an individual was on their own. Furthermore, he also announced that the COVID-19 booster shot could be taken after only 4 months of the second dose being taken, as opposed to the previous time of 6 months. In addition to this, he also announced that as of 14 December, children between the ages of 5 and 11 were to be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.[45]

On 23 December 2021, following more than 3000 new cases in the preceding week, the Maltese Government announced new measures that would go into effect on 27 December. These were:[46]

Only a week later, on 31 December, due to the incredibly large number of cases of COVID-19, the Government announced that as of 10 January 2022, schools would reopen online, with the University of Malta deciding on whether to hold lectures online or in person as per each faculty's discretion.[47]

Arriving Migrants

As of 16 August, Malta no longer reported arriving migrant cases in the official figures as per ECDC direction, due to this (on of the aforementioned date) 105 cases were removed from the official figures.[48]

On 17 August, authorities provided information that out of the 105 migrant cases, 44 have recovered while 61 still remain active.

On 28 August, in a press briefing it was announced that from a group of newly arrived migrants, 2 were infected with the virus, bringing the total of arriving migrant cases to 107.

On 31 August, in a press release it was confirmed that another 32 migrants tested positive for COVID-19. There are now 139 cases linked to arriving migrants, 44 have recovered while 95 remain active.

On 3 September 10 migrants residing in closed centres were tested positive during the last 24 hours.

On 4 September 27 migrants residing in closed centres were tested positive during the last 24 hours.

On 10 September, A theory floated to explain the WHO discrepancy is that its analysts counted the Sudanese man who died while trying to escape a detention centre on 2 September among Malta's COVID-19 deaths. Sources told Times of Malta that while the deceased had tested positive for COVID-19, his death was caused by other factors related to his escape attempt and was not linked to his viral infection. An inquiry into the circumstances leading to the man's death is under way.

On 17 September, WHO has corrected their deaths figures for Malta, they now reflect the official count.

On 21 September, 5 migrants who reside in closed centres tested positive in the last 24 hours.

Vaccination

Malta has one of the highest levels of COVID-19 vaccination in the European Union [49]

Notable deaths

Statistics

The charts below are based on the data collected by the Ministry of Health of Malta,[53] as per the actual dates.

Cumulative confirmed, active, recovered cases and deaths

New cases per day

Recoveries per day

Deaths per day

Cumulative number of vaccinations

Number of cases by age and gender

Number of cases by age
Number of cases by gender

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Novel Coronavirus. Ministry of Health (Malta). 2021-12-11. 27 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727151754/https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/health-promotion/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx. dead.
  2. Web site: Malta's first coronavirus cases are girl and parents. Times of Malta. 7 March 2020. 7 March 2020. 7 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200307233527/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/first-coronavirus-case-reported-in-malta.776288. live.
  3. Web site: As it happened: Lockdown for 118,000 people; five new COVID-19 cases. Times of Malta. 26 March 2020 . 7 April 2020. 7 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200407101403/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/live-coronavirus-updates.781001. live.
  4. Web site: Coronavirus: 'An Example To Follow': WHO Europe Regional Director Gives Shout-Out To Malta's COVID-19 Measures. LovinMalta. 28 March 2020. 7 April 2020. 6 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200406211052/https://lovinmalta.com/news/news-international/an-example-to-follow-who-europe-regional-director-gives-shout-out-to-maltas-covid-19-measures/. live.
  5. Web site: Establishments and activities can re-open as from Monday - Prime Minister. May 2020 . 10 May 2020. 2 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200502062406/https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/establishments-and-activities-can-re-open-as-from-monday-prime-minister/. live.
  6. Cuschieri, S., Balzan, M., Gauci, C. et al. Mass Events Trigger Malta's Second Peak After Initial Successful Pandemic Suppression. J Community Health (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00925-6
  7. Web site: Over 16s to be offered vaccine from Monday, in EU first, Fearne says. 2021-05-12. Times of Malta. 12 May 2021 . 12 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210512120954/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/people-aged-over-16-can-register-for-covid-19-jab-from-monday.871297. live.
  8. Web site: Malta Has Achieved Herd Immunity With COVID Shots, Says Minister. 2021-05-25. US News (Reuters). 25 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210525124237/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-05-24/malta-has-achieved-herd-immunity-with-covid-shots-says-minister. live.
  9. Web site: Malta: WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard With Vaccination Data . 2023-02-27 . covid19.who.int . en.
  10. Web site: Novel Coronavirus Information Center . Elsevier . Elsevier Connect . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200130171622/https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center . 30 January 2020 . 15 March 2020.
  11. News: Reynolds. Matt . What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic?. 4 March 2020. Wired UK. 5 March 2020. 1357-0978. https://web.archive.org/web/20200305104806/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus. 5 March 2020. live.
  12. Web site: Crunching the numbers for coronavirus . Imperial News . 13 March 2020 . 15 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200319084913/https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/ . 19 March 2020 . live.
  13. Web site: High consequence infectious diseases (HCID); Guidance and information about high consequence infectious diseases and their management in England . GOV.UK . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200303051938/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid . 3 March 2020 . 17 March 2020.
  14. Web site: World Federation Of Societies of Anaesthesiologists – Coronavirus . www.wfsahq.org. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200312233527/https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus. 12 March 2020. 15 March 2020.
  15. News: First coronavirus case reported in Malta . . 7 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200307233527/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/first-coronavirus-case-reported-in-malta.776288 . 7 March 2020.
  16. Web site: WATCH: There Are over 100 COVID-19 Cases in Malta After 17 New Patients Confirmed. 23 March 2020. 24 March 2020. 24 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200324013549/https://lovinmalta.com/news/watch-there-are-over-100-covid-19-cases-in-malta-after-17-new-patients-confirmed/. live.
  17. Web site: BREAKING: 92-Year-Old Gozitan Woman is Malta's First COVID-19 Death, Health Minister Confirms. 8 April 2020. 8 April 2020. 13 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200413032414/https://lovinmalta.com/news/news-breaking/breaking-92-year-old-gozitan-woman-is-maltas-first-covid-19-death-health-minister-confirms/. live.
  18. News: Malta exposure 'low' as deadly China virus spreads . Calleja . Claudia . Carabott . Sarah . 24 January 2020 . The Times of Malta . Malta . 27 January 2020 . 6 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200506111005/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/malta-exposure-low-as-deadly-china-virus-spreads.765558 . live.
  19. Web site: Coronavirus: Thermal screening kicks off in Malta as Italy death toll risesv. 24 February 2020 . Times of Malta. 24 February 2020. 12 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200512185540/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/coronavirus-thermal-screening-kicks-off-in-malta-as-italy-death-toll.773360v. live.
  20. Web site: Coronavirus in Italia: aggiornamento ora per ora. 22 February 2020. la Repubblica. it. 25 February 2020. 7 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200507153416/https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/22/news/coronavirus_in_italia_aggiornamento_ora_per_ora-249241616/. live.
  21. Web site: No coronavirus cases in Malta, Health Ministry says. MaltaToday.com.mt. 25 February 2020. 26 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200226185238/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100587/corona_virus_health_ministry. live.
  22. Web site: Panic buying at supermarkets over coronavirus concerns. Times of Malta. 25 February 2020 . 25 February 2020. 3 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200403233803/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/panic-buying-at-supermarkets-as-coronavirus-fears-mount.773600. live.
  23. Web site: Facebook panic on coronavirus sparks frenzied shopping sprees. MaltaToday.com.mt. 25 February 2020. 7 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200307105917/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100595/facebook_panic_on_coronavirus_sparks_frenzied_shopping_sprees_. live.
  24. Web site: [WATCH] Coronavirus fears prompt Maltese port workers to refuse to handle incoming cargo]. MaltaToday.com.mt. 25 February 2020. 25 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200225192831/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100574/coronavirus_fears_prompt_maltese_port_workers_to_refuse_to_handle_incoming_cargo. live.
  25. Web site: Coronavirus: Teachers' union does not want to mark sick students' homework. MaltaToday.com.mt. 25 February 2020. 5 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200305215908/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100591/coronavirus_teachers_union_does_not_want_to_mark_sick_students_homework. live.
  26. Web site: Coronavirus: Deloitte Malta asks staff returning from Italy to work from home. Times of Malta. 25 February 2020 . 25 February 2020. 18 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200318023906/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/deloitte-malta-asks-staff-returning-from-italy-to-work-from-home.773615. live.
  27. News: Malta bans travel from four more European countries because of coronavirus. Reuters. 11 March 2020. 16 August 2020. 3 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200803050451/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-malta/malta-bans-travel-from-four-more-european-countries-because-of-coronavirus-idUSKBN20Y29F. live.
  28. Web site: Travel Ban for 4 more countries coming to Malta. 11 March 2020 . 11 March 2020. 24 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200324165023/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/travel-banned-from-another-four-countries.777314. live.
  29. Web site: Ornis committee approves spring hunting, despite COVID-19 policing concerns . Timesofmalta.com . 22 August 1940 . 2 April 2020 . 4 April 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200404114406/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/ornis-committee-approves-spring-hunting-despite-covid-19-policing.782684 . live.
  30. Web site: 'Thousands' of turtle dove shot illegally - Birdlife . 21 April 2020 . 21 April 2020 . 9 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200509175846/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/illegal-turtle-dove-hunting-observed-and-documented.786968 . live.
  31. Web site: Robert Abela suggests handing woodlands to hunters . 22 April 2020 . 23 April 2020 . 2 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200502153511/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/robert-abela-suggests-handing-woodlands-to-hunters.787193 . live.
  32. Web site: [WATCH] Coronavirus: Mandatory quarantine introduced against €1,000 fine . 24 March 2020 . 24 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200324015547/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100934/coronavirus_robert_abela_expected_to_announce_new_measures#.XnllKohKhPY . live.
  33. Web site: [LIVE] All schools, childcare centres to close for a week from tomorrow]. MaltaToday.com.mt. 12 March 2020. 4 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200404112604/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100955/live_prime_minister_to_announce_new_measures_related_to_coronavirus. live.
  34. Web site: Visitmalta - the official tourism website for Malta, Gozo and Comino . 24 March 2020 . 26 April 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200426053208/https://www.visitmalta.com/en/covid-19 . live.
  35. Web site: Maltese Government Imposes Mandatory Self-quarantine . 24 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200324015542/https://www.airmalta.com/information/about/special-news-overview/special-news-detail/maltese-government-imposes-mandatory-self-quarantine . 24 March 2020 . dead.
  36. Web site: [WATCH] Coronavirus: Mandatory quarantine extended to all visitors entering Malta . 24 March 2020 . 11 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200511024621/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/100993/live_coronavirus_prime_minister_to_announce_new_measures#.Xnlm7IhKhPY . live.
  37. Web site: Malta Triples Fine for Violating Mandatory Quarantine Rules to €3,000. 16 March 2020. 24 March 2020. 24 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200324020730/https://lovinmalta.com/news/malta-triples-fine-for-breaching-mandatory-quarantine-rules-to-e3000/. live.
  38. Web site: BREAKING: Malta to Close All Bars, Restaurants and Gyms from Tomorrow. 16 March 2020. 24 March 2020. 8 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200508095949/https://lovinmalta.com/news/news-breaking/breaking-malta-to-close-all-bars-restaurants-and-gyms-from-tomorrow/. live.
  39. Web site: A Full List of All the Stores and Services Impacted by Malta's New Restrictions. 22 March 2020. 24 March 2020. 24 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200324022201/https://lovinmalta.com/news/a-full-list-of-all-the-stores-and-services-impacted-by-maltas-new-ban/. live.
  40. Web site: Malta Imposes €10,000 Fine for Isolated COVID-19 Patients Who Leave Their Homes. 23 March 2020. 24 March 2020. 24 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200324015212/https://lovinmalta.com/news/malta-imposes-e10000-fines-on-isolated-covid-19-patients-who-leave-their-homes/. live.
  41. Web site: COVID-19: Confirmed patients who ignore isolation orders to be fined €10,000 . 23 March 2020 . 24 March 2020 . 24 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200324150427/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/covid-19-fines-may-be-increased-up-to-10000.780452 . live.
  42. Web site: PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT : The Government announces seven decisions regarding schools, educational institutions and examinations .
  43. News: Sansone. Kurt. 10 March 2021. [LIVE] New COVID-19 restrictions: schools to close from Monday • Non-essential shops and services to shut from tomorrow]. MaltaToday. live. 10 March 2021. 10 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210310165706/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/108269/prime_minister_to_announce_more_covid19_restrictions.
  44. News: Calleja. Laura. 5 August 2021. [WATCH] COVID-19: Vaccinated contacts to quarantine for seven days, booster shots for elderly in September]. MaltaToday. 6 January 2022.
  45. News: Calleja. Laura. 9 December 2021. Masks are back: Chris Fearne says masks are obligatory in outdoor, indoor spaces. MaltaToday. 6 January 2022.
  46. News: 23 December 2021. [WATCH] Omicron variant detected in Malta, from Monday only seated events allowed]. MaltaToday. 6 January 2022.
  47. News: Vella. Luke. 31 December 2021. Schools to reopen online, classroom teaching resumes on 10 January. MaltaToday. 6 January 2022.
  48. Web site: saħħa. 20 August 2020. www.facebook.com. 20 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200820090911/https://www.facebook.com/sahhagovmt/posts/193872598997958. live.
  49. Web site: Kottasová. Ivana. 1 October 2021. They have all the vaccines they need, yet these EU nations are still miles behind their neighbors. live. 2021-10-01. CNN. https://web.archive.org/web/20211001075920/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/01/europe/eastern-europe-vaccine-takeup-bulgaria-romania-intl-cmd/index.html . 1 October 2021 .
  50. Web site: Qormi Mayor Renald Falzon dies aged 46.
  51. Web site: Celebrated pianist Cynthia Turner, 88, passes away . February 2021 . 10 February 2021 . 1 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210201095823/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/celebrated-pianist-cynthia-turner-88-passes-away.848735 . live.
  52. Web site: Frank Portelli's Sister dies of Coronavirus in UK.
  53. Web site: Covid-19 Dashboard Malta . 3 July 2022 . Government of Malta 2021 . 3 July 2022.

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