Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne said that it is anticipated that Malta will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by January and that within the following months the vaccine will be released to the entire population.

“At the beginning we were worried that once this important vaccine will be provided to the bigger EU countries and the smaller EU countries, such as Malta will be one of the last to be given the vaccine. Instead we have worked hard to ensure that Malta will be one of the first countries to receive the vaccine, and if trials continue to be so positive, we will see the arrival of the vaccine by the beginning of 2021.”

Malta has ordered enough doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to vaccinate the entire population within the span of six months. Malta has so far been assured of a stock of vaccines from AstraZeneca, Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson.

Fearne announced this on Tuesday during a discussion on the Covid-19 pandemic in Parliament.

Fearne listed all the measures which the Labour Government has taken to fight against the spread of Covid-19. He explained that the government has invested millions in the health sector, which includes investing in thousands of swab tests, and providing Mater Dei with seven ITU’s, one specifically for COVID-19 patients and that all hospitals have been invested in.

“The government has bought 81 new ventilators, four new ultra sound machines, 20 defibrillators, 315 oxygen concentrators and 600 new beds. We also invested in 630,000 hand sanitizers, 28 beds in St Thomas Hospital and 114 beds at the Gozo General Hospital.”

Regarding the Rapid Testing Kits, Fearne said that the tests are being trialled currently and it is planned that by the end of the month the tests will be used by the public.

When it comes to the influenza shot, Fearne announced that 100,000 people were administered the vaccine within the first week. “I appeal the nation to take the shot as we need to understand the importance of this vaccine.”

Fearne said that his Ministry and the Superintendent have discussions on a daily basis, and that any decisions are taken together to ensure the safeguard of the country from the virus. “Restrictions are difficult but together we will work hard for our country. Unfortunately there have been victims of the virus, in our country we have had 46, and each death is a tragedy.”

Prime Minister wanted power and threw the country into the sea - Bernard Grech

Prime Minister Robert Abela has taken complete control of the coronavirus and thrown the country into the sea, said Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech.

“Our Prime Minster has taken the reins and thrown the country into the sea, where we find ourselves in a worse situation than we did at the beginning of the pandemic.”

Speaking after Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, Opposition leader Bernard Grech spoke a few words of respect to Nationalist MP Frederick Azzopardi after his passing over the weekend, who he praised for his great work in politics.

“What we are facing is extraordinary for the world and Malta, a situation which no one could ever imagine and now we are all facing difficulties and worries. The Nationalist Party does not wish to make the pandemic a political situation, we wish to pull the same rope with the Health Authorities, but we will provide our criticism when we believe something can be done better.”

Grech praised all the front liners, those involved in the health sector and other sectors such as police, postmen, teachers and drivers. “All these individuals are extremely important. We need to take care of these front liners because if they are abused they cannot be bought back. We cannot have a strong economy without a strong population.”

He mentioned that the debate is taking place after the Opposition proposed such a debate.

Grech criticised the government that it has not fulfilled its duty to reassure people and tell them the truth, and that Prime Minister Robert Abela has took the reins and threw the country into the sea. “Today we find ourselves in a worse situation than before with the government giving us contrasting messages.”

He said that because the Government were not agreeing with the Health Authorities, the country lost a summer. “Our Prime Minister did not learn from his mistakes, as we see the situation getting worse, and even the situation in old people’s home getting worse with no new measures.”

“No one has taken any political responsibility. I have taken the obligation to set up a team on COVID-19, where more investment is needed to make contact tracing possible and to reduce the swabbing backlog,” said Grech.

He said that the government cannot continue its ‘nonchalant’ attitude. Grech encouraged all health care workers and that the Nationalist Party will be their voice and hope during this difficult period.

We must continue working together during the winter months

In his winding up speech, Fearne highlighted that the winter months will not be easy, but said that a vaccine is not far away.

Apart from this, Fearne criticised the Opposition as none of its MPs came up with any suggestions or alternatives of how to handle the pandemic. “I was expecting some form of proposals or suggestions; instead I am disappointed that no one has come up with any good advice.”

He said that Malta is not the only country experiencing ongoing spikes, but that it is a trend being seen throughout Europe. When it comes to the shortage of nurses, Fearne blamed this on the previous Nationalist governments who limited the annual intake of nursing students.

“Winter months will not be easy, and I wish for us to come together and follow the directives and be responsible. The vaccine is not far away, just a few months. Let us be responsible, especially when Christmas starts approaching.”

Fearne thanked all front liners who have been working restlessly during these past months.