The PN has called for another national health emergency to be declared, saying that the current spread of Covid-19 is down to the laissez-faire politics encouraged by Prime Minister Robert Abela.
The statement, signed by PN MP Stephen Spiteri, said that contact tracing is losing the necessary efficiency to keep up with new cases, and that ITU wards are full, leading to the clear message that an emergency needs to be called.
The PN said that it is against a lockdown, and that this is why a public health emergency should be called, so that the Health Superintendent can have the authority to make the necessary decisions.
The party said that everyone must be responsible in following the health recommendations issued, and noted that given the increase in infections in those who are vulnerable and in elderly homes, the Prime Minister should see that Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Parnis shoulders responsibility.
“This government cannot carry on as if nothing has happened. It has an obligation to follow what is best for our population. Many lives depend on its timely decisions. A public health emergency should therefore be considered urgently and without delay", the PN said.
Malta currently has a record-high 703 active cases of the virus after 100 new cases were reported on Saturday, the second-highest daily tally since the start of the pandemic.
Malta first declared a public health emergency on April 1, when the country had 186 positive cases. The declaration was applicable as from March 7, when the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Malta.
It was lifted at the end of June as the number of active cases dropped to just 21.