The Health Ministry has emphasised in a statement that, with regard to the COVID-19 outbreak, Malta is still in a pre-containment phase that focuses on identifying any cases early and ensuring that these are effectively contained to minimise subsequent spread.

There are no cases of coronavirus in Malta at this point, the statement read.

"In this phase, the public health strategy is aimed at ensuring that the few specific areas of first responders and designated management locations are equipped to deal with any cases that might be identified. This involves maximising the level of training and competence of the staff in these entities."

"In this regard, an intensive training programme has been provided to the staff of these wards as well as the Casualty Dept. This has involved in excess of 350 staff which is in addition to concurrent training given by the Primary Care Department to staff in the health centres as well as in the Public Health Deptartment."

"The Department also has additional contingency plans in the event that the situation aggravates beyond the current situation in Europe and locally. Those plans, including further training as appropriate, will be triggered if and when necessary."

The Department has - from the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak - strictly followed the guidelines of the European Centre for Disease Control, the statement read.

"The Department will continue to follow these guidelines and issue public statements on this evolving scenario to provide up to date and accurate information."