12 new cases of UK Covid-19 variant found in Malta

Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmaine Gauci has revealed that 12 new cases of the UK Covid-19 variant have been found in Malta.

Gauci was speaking during a live Q&A session on the Times of Malta.

This takes the total number of UK variant cases to a total of 15, following the 3 cases of the UK variant that were registered in Malta at the start of its spread in the UK at the end of last year.

Gauci explained that six of the cases relate to a known cluster but studies are still ongoing to find their origins using enhanced genetic sequence testing.

During the last few months of the year, the UK lit up with cases marking a new Covid-19 variant which resulted in limited travel, with Malta suspending flights to and from the UK during the end of last year. However, the government then said that Maltese in the UK will be allowed to return, but they will be subjected to a PCR test upon return and will need to quarantine for 14 days.

A few days later the first cases of the UK strain were detected in Malta but no other cases had been announced yet until yesterday. Despite constant pressures, the government has insisted that it will not be closing off flights to and from the UK yet.

Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers have stated that the double jab of the vaccine which is currently being rolled out across the globe should be effective against the UK strain, as studies indicate.

However, due to increase in concerns, one of the vaccine manufacturers - AstraZeneca - started precautionary tests to see if there is need for another booster jab.