There are eight new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Malta, Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci has confirmed.

One patient, a 52-year-old Maltese male, had no contact with any of the known cases or any people who went abroad. Investigations from where he could have contracted the virus are underway.

Other cases include a 3-year-old boy (who was in contact with a previous patient), a three-person Italian family who live in Malta, a 59-year-old English woman, a 26-year-old Maltese woman, a 28-year-old Maltese man, and a 62-year-old man who recently returned from England.

Four of the cases announced today appear to be locally transmitted. Authorities are currently conducting contact tracing.

The total number of confirmed cases is now up to 38. There have been two recoveries. All patients are in good condition.

Two people have so far recovered from the virus. However, the pair will remain under quarantine amid revelations that the virus can re-infect survivors. All of those who have contracted the virus are in good condition.

This is a developing story.

If you believe you are suffering from the coronavirus, follow the following guidelines:

Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, as you would with the flu.

Do not go to Mater Dei, the emergency department, health centres, private clinics, or pharmacies. Stay home and call the public health authority’s helpline 111.

If you are returning from any country, do not break self-quarantine rules or you will be subject to a 3000 euro fine.

You can call +356 21324086 for advice.

Avoid calling 112 unless it is a real emergency. That emergency line is crucial in saving lives in peril, and having it be flooded with calls on the coronavirus could have fatal consequences.