Two cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have been found by Mater Dei Hospital's genetics lab in the past hours, Health Minister Chris Fearne announced on Thursday.

He said that these are people who tested positive some days ago, which suggests therefore that the bulk of community transmission being seen in recent days is down to the presence of this variant in the community.

Fearne said that while case numbers are high, the number of people in hospital remains stable: 53 people are now receiving treatment in Mater Dei Hospital, while 3 of those - one less than Wednesday - are in intensive care.

Fearne said that the evidence suggests that while Omicron is a lot more transmissable than other variants, it is not more severe, and people are protected against it by taking the booster vaccine dose.

41% of Maltese adults have taken their booster dose, Fearne said, with the absolutel majority of those who are elderly and therefore most vulnerable are vaccinated with their booster.

Fearne announced that as from Monday 27 December, all those over the age of 18 can register to receive their third dose as well.

As from 17 January, the vaccine certificate for those who have received two doses of the jab will only be valid for three months.  Those who have received their third dose will have their vaccine certificate valid for nine months from the date of the said third dose.

Fearne announced that as from 17 January, the following establishments will only be open to those who have a valid vaccine certificate, as per the new regulations for validity explained above: bars, snack bars, restaurants, band clubs, gyms, pools, spas, casinos, games halls, cinemas, theatres, sporting events, and all organised events.

For those who are under 18 years of age, the situation will not change for now, Fearne said.

The Health Minister announced a raft of measures which will come into force for the period between 27 December and 17 January next year.

From Monday, all organised events will be allowed to continue, but will have to be seated.  This means that standing events will not be permissible.

The only exceptions are weddings and funerals, which can continue under the protocols which are currently in place.

From Monday, all establishments must shut their doors by 1am if their licence allows them to remain open for that long.  Sporting events can continue to take place, but must be held behind closed doors.

Visitng hours at Mater Dei Hospital will also be reduced, but the visiting hours at elderly homes will remain unchanged owing to the fact that the vast majority of residents have received their booster shot.

Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci said that “in recent days, we have seen a significant rise in Coronavirus cases suggesting that the bulk of transmission within the community has been a result of the presence of the Omicron variant.” 

Gauci explained that when looking at the seven-day moving average of new Covid-19 cases, this stands at 392, whilst the positivity rate has increased to a total of 7.6%. A total of 7,000 swab tests were carried out on Wednesday alone, including both rapid and PCR testing as more people are turning up for tests. 

Gauci highlighted that from the registered cases, the health authorities are identifying that the majority of cases are those age groups who have not yet received the booster against Covid-19. 

“Currently, there is an array of reasons as to why people are getting tested for the virus, primarily because people are travelling more during the Christmas period but also because people are experiencing a number of symptoms related to the virus such as coughing and nasal congestion,” Gauci said. 

She added that “the majority of positive cases are of people who contracted the virus from certain events, with 23% related to social activities as well as a high number from gatherings within households. Workplaces were mask-wearing and social distancing are not being enforced are also experiencing a rise in positive cases.” 

An increase of re-infections has also been identified as people who had already contracted the virus are getting re-infected due to the new variants, Gauci said. 

6,500 people currently in quarantine 

Answering questions posed by the media, Gauci revealed that 6,500 people are currently in quarantine, including people who tested positive, contacts and people who came to Malta from a red zone country. 

Asked by the Malta Independent regarding the situation at Mater Dei Hospital based on the statement published by the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, Fearne reassured that a plan is in place and if hospital admissions increased, 100 beds could be made available at Boffa hospital and arrangements are in place for the use of private hospitals. 

Speaking about the home testing kits, Fearne urged the public to be cautious of what home testing kits one makes use of. He warned against testing for Covid-19 at home, saying that they are not reliable and people risk ending up receiving a positive result despite not having Covid-19. 

Those people who tested positive for the Covid-19 virus but would like to receive the booster, should wait four weeks before taking the booster dose, Gauci said.