Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1275149
KARL AZZOPARDI A Freedom of Information re- quest on advice provided by the Public Health Superintendent on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in May, and on inspections into the hospital's ventilation units was rejected by the health superintendence. In June, MaltaToday report- ed that a cluster of COVID-19 cases traced back to Mater Dei Hospital's ENT ward, was be- ing investigated by the health authorities to determine the source of the "exceptional out- break". There were 18 positive cas- es of coronavirus linked to the ENT ward, which deals with ailments related to the ear, nose and throat. Mater Dei CEO Celia Falzon confirmed the outbreak to Mal- taToday. She was responding to a series of questions after MaltaToday received information that the hospital's Infection Control Unit only acted five days after a doctor in the ward resulted positive. The doctor tested positive on 5 May but his colleagues on- ly got to know five days later, when other cases cropped up. Sources who spoke to Malt- aToday said that a nurse who tested positive after learning of the first case had been working throughout those five days. Initial information received by MaltaToday in May had sug- gested that the outbreak might have stemmed from an issue with the ward's ventilation sys- tem. However, when asked about this, Public Health Superinten- dent Charmaine Gauci could only confirm that an investiga- tion by hospital's infection con- trol specialists was underway. The result of the investiga- tions has not yet been made public. In the FOI request, MaltaTo- day had also inquired for a list of all healthcare workers infect- ed by COVID-19. The request was refused. The precise reason was not specified by the superintend- ence, which instead referred to two parts of the Freedom of Information Act which cite reasons for withholding infor- mation ranging from national security to trade secrets. MaltaToday's FOI request rejection follows that of other media houses, with the Times of Malta also being shot down when probing about the gov- ernment's transition plan and risk assessments for easing coronavirus restrictions. The Nationalist Party's news- room also requested the infor- mation to no avail. Fielding questions from jour- nalists after announcing new measures on Thursday, Health Minister Chris Fearne was asked why government is refus- ing to publish the risk assess- ment. Fearne did not cite the reason why, instead choosing to point out that government has al- ways been transparent over the COVID-19 figures. "You cannot say that we are hiding information from any- one," the deputy prime minis- ter said. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 AUGUST 2020 10 NEWS Superintendence refusing to release data on COVID-19 ventilation inspections MaltaToday Freedom of Information request for risk assessments, inspections into hospital ventilation systems, refused Vacancy for the post of Supervisor (Scale 16) with the San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council Permit number 344520/344521 Jobsplus permit no 364/2020 Nomenclatures that indicate Male also refer to female The San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council will be receiving applications for the post of Supervisor 1. Terms and Conditions 1.1 The post is subject to six (6) months probation. 1.2 The remuneration for the post of Supervisor is of maximum Salary Scale that for year 2020 is equivalent to €15,491. 1.3 Applicants who are holders of driving licence to drive commercial vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes up to a maximum of 7.5 tonnes would benefit from an additional €1,000 per year. More information regarding the duties and eligibility requirements related to this post may be acquired through sending a request by email sent to sanpawlil-bahar.lc@gov.mt or call on 21585888. Applications along with a copy of the Identity Card and other related documents will be accepted by post, email San Pawl il-Bahar Local Council at Local Councils sanpawlil- bahar.lc@gov.mt or by hand at San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council not later than 10th August. Executive Secretary San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council Triq San Pawl San Pawl il-Baħar. Persons interested in this post are obliged to attend for an interview. Vacancy for the post of Supervisor (Scale 16) with the San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council Permit number 344520/344521 Jobsplus permit no 364/2020 Nomenclatures that indicate Male also refer to female The San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council will be receiving applications for the post of Supervisor 1. Terms and Conditions 1.1 The post is subject to six (6) months probation. 1.2 The remuneration for the post of Supervisor is of maximum Salary Scale that for year 2020 is equivalent to €15,491. 1.3 Applicants who are holders of driving licence to drive commercial vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes up to a maximum of 7.5 tonnes would benefit from an additional €1,000 per year. More information regarding the duties and eligibility requirements related to this post may be acquired through sending a request by email sent to sanpawlil-bahar.lc@gov.mt or call on 21585888. Applications along with a copy of the Identity Card and other related documents will be accepted by post, email San Pawl il-Bahar Local Council at Local Councils sanpawlil- bahar.lc@gov.mt or by hand at San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council not later than 10th August. Executive Secretary San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council Triq San Pawl San Pawl il-Baħar. Persons interested in this post are obliged to attend for an interview.