Arrival of AstraZeneca jab ‘to accelerate vaccination roll out by two weeks’

The expected arrival of the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine to Malta on Sunday evening is expected to accelerate Malta’s vaccination programme by two weeks, Prime Minister Robert Abela said at a political event on Sunday morning.

Members of the business community, such as SME Chamber CEO Abigail Mamo, have called on Malta to ensure a speedy roll out so that the island is well placed to be more competitive in attracting tourism and investment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne took to social media to celebrate the expected arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine, describing it as another “cannon” against COVID-19.

At Sunday morning’s event, Prime Minister Abela also said the Government is focused on Malta’s recovery from the COVID pandemic, and that it would be a mistake to discuss elections during this sensitive time.

“This is a Government that is focused not on elections, but on a sense of duty,” he said.

As from next week, letters are to be sent out to all vulnerable people in society, regardless of age, for them to be vaccinated by March.

He called for a sense of responsibility during the carnival holidays, where beefed up enforcement is expected in Gozo to ensure that people are not in breach of gathering restrictions inside holiday accommodation.