The Nationalist Party’s San Ġwann committee has accused the town’s local council of “causing fear” within the community after it helped organise a tombola event for elderly people which led to a COVID-19 outbreak. 

“We condemn the local council for organising an activity for elderly people despite the fact that we’re in a pandemic and the public health authorities advising people to avoid gathering in large groups,” the committee said.

“This irresponsible act, which is causing fear within our town. It should be condemned and responsibility must be shouldered by the people concerned.”

Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci confirmed yesterday that eight elderly people who attended the San Ġwann Senior Citizens Festive Lunch, subsidised by the town’s local council, tested positive for COVID-19 afterwards.

At least 70 other people who attended the event have since been quarantined.

The council’s executive secretary Kurt Guillaumier told Lovin Malta that the event adhered to all the guidelines stipulated by the health authorities, including temperature checking, mask-wearing, appropriately distanced tables and ample hand sanitiser.