Health authorities have reported one new Covid-19 case in the last 24 hours, with that case being connected to the already reported cluster of cases connected to a weekend-long hotel party.

It means that the cluster of cases reported from the Hotel Takeover party, which took place at the Radission Blu resort in St. Julian’s ten days ago, has now increased to 16 people.

There are 27 active cases of the virus in Malta.

A total of 850 swab tests were carried out in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of swabs up to 120,995 so far.

Today’s total comes after 14 cases were reported on Sunday, prompting fears of a renewed wave of cases and calls for the banning of mass events.

In a statement yesterday, health authorities renewed their call for all those who attended any event or party related to the Hotel Takeover to get tested for the virus.

"The Public Health Authorities are still recommending that all those who attended any event or party related to the Hotel Takeover Summer 2020 get tested for COVID-19. Persons are to call 111 to set an appointment, even if they do not have any symptoms."

The ministry said that, as symptoms can develop within 14 days of exposure, it is imperative that whoever attended these events monitor themselves for symptoms for the coming two weeks. "Anyone who develops symptoms should stay indoors and call 111 again to book another swab test to exclude COVID-19 infection."

Malta has had 701 cases of the virus since 7 March, with 665 recoveries and 9 deaths.