The Medical Association of Malta is calling for the immediate cancellation of mass events following “two alarming clusters” of patients reported from parties and a festa last week.

In a press release, the MAM also condemned the Prime Minister’s office for setting a bad example and going against the recommendations of public health authorities.

“MAM condemns without reservation the bad example given by the organisation of a concert by the office of the prime minister where absolutely no social distancing measures were taken as recommended by the office of the superintendent of public health.”

“MAM also condemns the ministry for tourism for lobbying abroad to attract mass parties for thousands of non-Maltese after these have been denied permission abroad,” it said.

Malta repealed its public health emergency at the beginning of July followed by the reopening of the airport and the lifting of the ban on mass gatherings.

Since then, Malta’s active COVID-19 cases have spiked to 26 – most of which have come over the past week as a result of mass gatherings.

“The idea of political leaders telling the Maltese people that COVID is over and that they can do whatever they like with impunity is not acceptable to the medical profession. Organisers and politicians must realise that they become personally legally and financially liable should illness or death result from disease.”

“While MAM understands that all those employed in the tourist industry have to be supported, high-risk gambling with the health of the Maltese people is unacceptable particularly when it appears that an effective vaccine will be available within a few months,” the MAM said.

Last week, head of the MAM Martin Balzan told Lovin Malta that the country is “playing with fire” by allowing travel from high-risk countries in combination with mass events.

“It was to be expected that the combination of opening the airport to high-risk countries and the encouraging of mass activities was a ticking time bomb ready to explode.”

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic across Europe has forced some countries to reinstating  two-week mandatory quarantine for travellers.

Moreover, several popular Maltese summer festivals have been cancelled in light of the spike of cases on the island.

What do you make of this? Let us know in the comments below