While Malta’s medical staff are by far the people who deserve most praise during these trying times, there are also others who are doing so much to keep the situation under control.

First of all, one cannot help but think of carers in elderly homes, as well as those who help people with severe disability. They have very important tasks at hand, especially given that those elderly people living in homes cannot, for now, see their family members. As such the carers provide not just care, but friendship to the elder generation. They care for their needs, can provide conversation, and sacrifice so much to help others.

One also cannot but mention he work done by the Dar Tal-Providenza, and the people who work there, for the people who live there, creating indoor activities to keep them entertained and help them live as normal a life as possible.

There are of course those who tend to homeless shelters, or other kinds of shelters such as the ones for domestic violence victims. During these trying times, they care for those who are going through harder situations that most others, and thus must be stronger when faced with the current situation.

One cannot forget the Church organisations, such as Caritas, who help people with drug problems, or nuns who care for the sick, the poor and even the elderly.

While people caring and tending to others’ needs are some of Malta’s unsung heroes, there are also others.

While perhaps under normal circumstances one might not consider those in the logistics sector as being brave, today they are. If it weren’t for the men and women working to bring supplies into Malta, then the country would be in serious trouble. From truck drivers in Malta and those stationed abroad bringing goods to the country from the Continent, to pilots hauling cargo from other countries to Malta, these people fear getting the virus just like any of us, but do their jobs diligently and bravely. For this, they also deserve our thanks.

One must also thank the local transport operators, for continuing to provide an essential service to the island. Without them, those who must perform their work in order for the country to continue operating might not be able to do so.

It is all of the above sectors who should be receiving all the support we can muster, both in terms of encouragement and solidarity, but also in terms of financial aid.

Some of sectors mentioned above have NGOs who work in them, and voluntary organisations. Some of these might struggle, given that donations have slowed. In light of this, the government should and must consider providing financial support to these people, who are offering essential services to the island and its people.

While the country faces health, social and economic concerns, these people continue to work for the good of others.