733 new cases of Covid-19 were reported by health authorities on Thursday – the second record day of cases in a row.

It eclipses the previous record number of cases of 582, reported on Wednesday.

92 people meanwhile have recovered from the virus, meaning that Malta currently has 3,632 active cases of Covid-19.

It is a record high in active cases as well – the previous record was 3,403 on 6 March earlier this year.

Health Minister Chris Fearne announced earlier today that Malta had found its first two cases of the Omicron variant, but noted that these are from people who tested positive some five or six days ago - meaning that the current numbers of cases being reported are likely substantially down to the said variant.

Fearne also announced a host of new measures pertaining to the pandemic and the uptake of booster vaccines.

53 patients are currently being treated at Mater Dei Hospital – up by 6 since Wednesday – with three of those – down by one since yesterday – in intensive care.

Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci said in a press conference earlier today that some 7,000 swab tests had been carried out on Wednesday alone.

1,023,476 doses of the vaccine had been administered up until Wednesday, with 181,278 of those being booster shots.

Malta has had 43,714 cases of Covid-19 so far. 39,290 of those have recovered, while 473 have died.