The low number of positive coronavirus cases that the country has witnessed over the past days is definitely a good thing. Another positive situation is that, for the past days, recoveries have been higher than new cases and so the number of active cases going down. Regardless however, people must not take this to mean that we are out of trouble.

While it might seem like more time has passed, it was only exactly two weeks ago today that Malta registered the highest number of cases – 52 – since the first virus case was registered on the island.

Some people might take the recent low numbers to mean that its ok to start letting their guard down, perhaps to visit their friends or grandparents. It only takes one sick person in a group to infect others, who in turn could infect more people.

Now is not the time to let our guard down. The fact that numbers are low is mainly thanks to the measures introduced by the health authorities, and to the people in the country for adhering to those measures. If people start to break those measures now, the situation could worsen, and fast.

Malta has had 431 Coronavirus cases, which coming to think of it is quite a lot. The health authorities aimed to flatten the curve, in order to better mitigate the impact of the virus on the healthcare resources. Granted many people who contracted the virus were able to stay home and self-isolate, but just imagine if the 52 case day was a regular occurrence. It would be a strain on the healthcare system to say the least.

We owe it to our neighbours, to our friends and family to avoid creating such a situation.

With the recent low numbers perhaps some might be inclined to go visit elderly family members who live in the community. The virus is at its most lethal when infecting elderly people, so it is not worth the risk. The best thing you can do is the opposite, and keep your distance.

Just remember, not everyone who has the virus shows symptoms.

It is doubly important to follow the self-hygiene recommendations. By this, we are referring to the frequent washing of hands, and the use of hand sanitizers and other such products, especially for those who are not working from home, but still need to work from the office or on construction sites and in factories.

When going out to the supermarket to by food, take hand sanitizer with you, and clean off the products you purchase before storing them or, if they can keep, leave them sit inside the bag for a few days before touching them again.

It's the little things that will help the country overcome the virus outbreak.

For those able to help others through their expertise or financing, there are many ways to help. Some NGOs who provide a service to help fight against depression for example, might need support manning helplines, and some NGOs who provide shelter to homeless people might need donations during this period more than ever before.

Everyone can do their part to help, even if it is only in small ways.