President George Vella has thanked Malta’s medical professionals and technical workers who are taking responsibility to prepare for what is ahead amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Malta’s healthcare system is no less than the best healthcare systems of other European countries,” he said in a press statement today.

He calls for calmness and urged the population to follow directives from the health authorities and thanked them for their work during these times. 

President Vella also expressed solidarity with the commercial sector and all those affected negatively by the outbreak of coronavirus which has already impacted on our economy. 

Some meetings with the President have been cancelled or postponed upon the discretion of other parties.

This morning, two more cases of coronavirus have been registered in Malta, raising the total number to 9.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Abela announced a travel ban from four European countries, including an extension of the first ban to the whole of Italy, as well as fines of €1,000 if the mandatory self-quarantine measures are found to be breached.

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 an affected country, do not break self-quarantine rules or you will be subject to a €1000 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.