Family doctor Joseph Ferriggi has strongly appealed for every person to look after their health and abide by all measures and regulations as the current situation in Malta is very worrying. 

This appeal comes following the high rise of Covid-19 cases on Tuesday as a record of 336 cases were recorded, taking the number of active cases to a new high of 2,931. 

In a video posted on Facebook, Ferriggi went on to say that the effect of Covid-19 has been going on long enough now and if people do not abide by the measures, it will be prolonged so much that it will have a disastrous effect on every aspect of life, including the country’s economy. 

“We need to put a stop to this pandemic immediately,” he said. 

Ferriggi explained that although the care offered by hospitals in Malta has been of the highest level, in recent days, the hospital has been experiencing more pressure as hospital and ITU beds are declining. In addition, doctors are also concerned with the fact that people who are entering the ITU for care are in their 40s, 50s and 60s. 

With the recent roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine in Malta, many people seem to be asking one pertinent question: ‘Why is the vaccination program in place but we are still seeing an increase in Covid-19 numbers every day?’ 

Ferriggi explained that although the vaccination program is proceeding at a good pace and it’s having its effect, the presence of the English variant is quite problematic as it is attacking the younger age group; a group which tends to congregate more with one another. 

“The English variant is 70% more infectious than the ‘normal Covid-19,” Ferriggi said. 

He added that the Covid-19 vaccine reduces patients being admitted to hospitals and reduces deaths worldwide, however the vaccine alone is not the solution to the pandemic. Up till now, the vaccine is showing its effect because we no longer have a problem with people who fall under the 80+ age group as they have already taken the vaccine. 

Apart from taking the vaccine, the solution to the pandemic entails following all health measures and guidelines.  

He remarked that “we need to stop focusing on what other people are doing, on what the health authorities should be doing but focus more on abiding by the measures which are already in place properly.” 

“It is necessary for each person to continue following hygiene measures, to use hand sanitizer, to maintain social distance and to continue wearing the mask properly. The use of the mask is so important that doctors have seen a sharp drop in flu and respiratory illness in the past year,” he said.