The Medical Association of Malta has warned that the current COVID-19 situation isn’t as stable as it may seem following the announcement of the lifting of more measures by the end of this week.

MAM said it appreciated the government’s efforts to gradually relaunch the economy but fears that serious medical risks may arise if honest and unbiased information isn’t provided.

Most notably, MAM made reference to the situation at Mater Dei Hospital which is experiencing “the worst crisis since the start of the epidemic with three wards needing to be closed, and a record of 287 persons in quarantine.”

Over 30 healthcare workers at Mater Dei have tested positive for the COVID-19 since the virus arrived in Malta and continue to feature in Malta’s daily coronavirus count.

“The fact that this was not acknowledged, while on the contrary giving the impression that all is well, undermines the confidence of the general public,” it said.

The doctor’s union also criticises certain easing of measures including the opening of restaurants which are not subject to regulations “but to guidelines which are not obligatory and not enforceable by fines.”

“This goes against the basic principles of public health,” it said.

As such, the MAM will be seeking an urgent meeting with management to discuss the transmission measures and their impact on the health and safety of medical personnel.

“Overall the relaxing of measures may in the short term have economic benefits, but on the other hand one cannot deny the presence of significant health risks where healthcare professionals may be the ones to suffer most,” it ended.

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