The island of Malta has its first confirmed cases of COVID-19 but the Government has not changed its official advice around the virus. There have been three confirmed cases, all from the same family who had recently returned to the island from Italy and who self-quarantined on arrival.
Prime Minister Robert Abela told the media this weekend: “The coronavirus is not the plague, as most people seem to think. We must be calm and rational and not react sensationally. Let’s talk about facts and not perceptions.
“I appeal for calm and rationality. Let’s not react with panic. Malta has very high-quality healthcare and we’ve been preparing for the outbreak for a long time. Rest assured, we won’t play games with your health.”
He added: “The easiest decision would be to isolate the island and cutting all travel ties. We might get there someday but it’s not the right moment. If we make extreme decisions, such choices might lead to the suffering of the Maltese people.”
CasinoBeats Malta is still scheduled to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel on 24-26 March. SBC Events is continuing to monitor developments and heed advice from official quarters.
Actions being taken by Maltese Health Authorities
Malta is taking the necessary precautions in relation to coronavirus, through various actions:
- Public Health Helpline: 111 or (+356) 21324086
- Thermal screening of all passengers arriving at Malta International Airport, Cruise liner and Catamaran Terminals.
- Travel advice for passengers travelling to or returning from affected areas is available at Airport, ports, freeports and cruise liner terminals.
- A coordinating team for national response is being led by the Superintendence of Public Health.
- Constant communication with WHO, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the EU Health Security Committee. The European Council is organizing regular teleconferences for all Member States to which Malta Public Health authorities participate to receive updates and advice on actions;
- Enhanced surveillance to detect suspected cases early;
- Communication with media, advice to clinicians and traveller’s advice;
- Preparedness plans at Mater Dei Hospital and Primary Care have been set up to isolate, diagnose and treat any suspected and confirmed cases.
