Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1221489
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 MARCH 2020 NEWS Prof. Charmaine Gauci MATTHEW VELLA THERE are six new cases of coronavirus patients in Malta since Friday evening, the pub- lic health superintendent Prof. Charmaine Gauci yesterday announced, bringing the total number of cases in Malta to 18. Five new cases were reported on Saturday, following that re- ported on Friday of a 19-year- old student who flew in from Brussels. Prof. Gauci said her family and other passengers on the same flight had tested nega- tive for coronavirus. The new cases are that of a Russian national who arrived in Malta on 4 March, reporting symptoms on 11 March. He was reported to be in a good state of health. He resulted positive on Friday 13 March. A person who lives with him is in quar- antine. Contract-tracing of peo- ple working in the same private company as the Russian nation- al has started. Another Maltese national, 33, flew in from Dublin to Malta on 10 March; another Maltese national arrived from Barcelona on 9 March, and instantly went into self-quarantine upon arriv- al, with Prof. Gauci remarking on the correct use of self-quar- antine to prevent such import- ed cases. Prof. Gauci said the results so far are the result of effective quarantine measures. Malta has had a very high rate of swabbing in terms of European coun- terparts. "It is very important to catch these cases as early as possible, for contact tracing, and to delay as much as possible any form of local contagion." At Mater Dei Hospital, people reporting respiratory problems are being swabbed – 591 swabs have resulted negative. All cases so far have been imported from abroad. "We are following the situation, case by case, cases abroad and in Malta, to take the best measures possible," Prof. Gauci said. Since Friday 13 March, in- spectors have been carrying out random checks on quarantined people. Data from passenger re- cords is being used. Prof. Gauci also said all cas- es so far are in good clinical state. After some days, they will be re-testing the cases to see whether they still test positive or negative for coronavirus. "We have carried out strong surveillance. We are actively looking for cases, being import- ed from abroad. With flights now curtailed, the cases from abroad will probably start de- creasing. "We have carried out man- datory quarantine for every- one who came in from abroad. There are certain places where people have travelled to more frequently, such as Brussels be- fore the closure of the European Commission. With measures to reduced mass gatherings, church masses, and school clo- sures, we are a step ahead of what we fear might happen." COVID-19 Patients are now 18 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth Clean regularly and disinfect frequently touched items Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand rub Stop the spread of COVID-19 If you have been travelling in an affected country, in the past 14 days AND you have fever, shortness of breath and/or cough, please STAY HOME. DO NOT GO TO EMERGENCY, HEALTH CENTRES, PRIVATE CLINICS OR PHARMACIES BUT CALL THE PUBLIC HEALTH HELPLINE 111 BE RESPONSIBLE, respect yourself and those around you! C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Coronavirus - New Advert Eng & Mlt - 2020.pdf 1 12/03/2020 09:33:42