Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci announced today that there was one new Coronavirus case registered, bringing the total since the first case was registered up to 427.

She also said that 19 people have recovered from the virus, and will be kept under quarantine for 14 more days. Five of these people were aged in their 20s,  four in their 30s, four in their 40s, three in their 50s, two in their 60s and one over 70. One of these people was recovering in the Gozo General Hospital, she said.

In total yesterday, 787 swab tests were conducted, there are 306 active cases.

The positive case is a woman from Serbia who is 29-years-old. She was tested and came out positive. She was going to work while having symptoms and contact tracing on her co-workers was conducted.

Gauci said that the reason there are few cases is thanks to the measures being undertaken and that people are adhering to the orders to stay inside. She appealed for everyone to stay home in order not to spread the virus, even on nice sunny days. She spoke of helping the more vulnerable people in society by taking them their shopping and items they need, while not going into direct contact with them.

Asked about the patients in ITU by this newsroom, Gauci said that there are still two paitents there, one is still using a ventilator but his condition isstable, and the other is being kept in ITU under observation. The one month baby who was also tested positive is in good condition too, she said.

When asked as to why there was a lower number of swab tests carried out overnight compared to previous days, Gauci explained that people were not turning up for appointments they were given. "Anyone who experienced symptoms and might feel that their symptoms are gone can still be carrying the virus, so it is important that they are still tested," explained Gauci.

She said that the Health Authorities are working every day, and that the public has to collaborate and contact the authorities once they experience any symptoms. 

As for the Hal Far open centre, a further 20 tests were conducted, all testing negative. "In regards to the open centre, we have a plan to conduct tests section by section and that once we see migrants test positive, we can isolate them and treat them accordingly," explained Gauci. 

She said that once the health authorities find that figures stabilise, measures will start to be reduced gradually. If it is the case that numbers begin to increase once more, measures will go back in place. 

Abroad a number of countries are facing issues and delays with importation of medical resources and protective gear. When asked whether Malta is facing similar issues, Gauci explained that the Health Authorities thought in advance and made a number of requests for such medical equipment and that in the past few weeks Malta has received numerous packages of such medical equipment.