A female patient at Mater Dei Hospital has contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus, Superintendent for Public Health confirmed this morning.

The 65-year-old woman was one of fourteen locally transmitted cases announced today. Doctors uncovered she had contracted the virus after routine checks.

She has since been moved to the Infectious Diseases Unit, but it is as yet unclear how she got the illness. Contact tracing with other members of staff and patients is underway.

The total cases of coronavirus in Malta have now reached 188, just two have recovered. In the previous two days, there have been 32 new cases.  One person remains in critical condition and is using a ventilator.

The government has rolled out necessary but drastic measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Malta.

Police now have the power to break up public gatherings of more than three people and fine them €100 each. Meanwhile vulnerable groups, including anyone aged 65 and up, have been ordered to remain indoors unless it is absolutely essential.

Flights have been closed, as have non-essential shops, non-essential services, bars, restaurants, gyms, and the like.