‘We cannot change health authorities’ decisions to be populist’
Opposition leader Adrian Delia slammed Prime Minister Robert Abela’s decision to ‘backtrack’ on the near-lockdown that was announced on Thursday, saying that “we cannot change the health authorities’ decisions to be populist.”
Speaking yesterday, Delia said that on Thursday a near-lockdown for 118,000 people was announced, affecting the elderly, the chronically ill and all those people who live in their households, requiring them to stay indoors except when they required to leave their homes for medical appointments.
This was announced by the health authorities, Delia said, in order to protect this section of society since they are more at risk of developing complications as a result of COVID-19.
“This was announced as the health authorities are taking all the necessary measures based on their studies of the situation, as drastic as they are, to assure the country’s ability to control the spread of this killer virus and permit us to use our healthcare resources in the best way so as to result in the lowest number of possible fatalities.”
“Unfortunately, the next day Prime Minister Robert Abela changed all that was said, stating that there is no lockdown, that the people who fall under the new measures can go outside, not all the time but for a number of reasons, weakening the good measures that were announced the day before by the Health Minister and the Superintendent of Public Health.
This is not good for the country right now. We need to take all the strong decisions in time when they are needed,” he said, arguing that this must be done to ensure that the work done by healthcare workers is not made harder.
Delia highlighted the importance of obeying all that the health authorities are suggesting. “We should not try to overturn decisions because they are hard ones. I must emphasise that if we look abroad, the virus could spread drastically if we do not take all the necessary measures, and then we can forget the economy, our health comes first, life comes first.”
“Let us implement the measures announced on Thursday, and listen to our health authorities.”
He said that the elderly were convinced, adding that they are understanding and know that they need to make this sacrifice. “Let us have the courage to, when there is pressure from different sectors of society due to financial reasons, not be populist. We cannot, not in this moment. We cannot change the health authorities’ decisions to be populist.”
Delia said more harsh measures should be implemented if needed, requiring more sacrifice. “We are in the last part in order to prevent the virus from spreading.”
He said that what he is saying has nothing to do with politics, highlighting the drastic situation in some countries abroad.
“We cannot risk. Better to spent another week indoors and not lose anyone. Let us do all that is needed. Let us not fear calling it a lockdown. Let us not fear that this is a kind of house arrest. This is something for all our good, for the common good, something the country needs.”
He spoke about children at home, saying that their world has changed.
“Read, be courageous, learn through remote learning, be strong, take this occasion to get to know each other more and learn to play differently.”
He then addressed workers. “Over 100,000 not given help by the government, but don’t give up. We will keep speaking to unions and other bodies for you to have mind at rest and to fight for you. Nobody should suffer alone or lose their job.”
“Those suffering must be helped more, those suffering less should be supported and those who can help, should. If there is someone feeling that they are not being given help, call to us. So we would fight for you and assure that nobody is alone.”
Delia delivered a message to foreigners in English.
“To the foreigners in our country, there are thousands who made Malta home. You are no longer foreigners in our country as we are all in same boat. This is a time of great test and we need to be together. You have given to our country and we have given back. We need to tackle this war together, fight together, win together. But please take heed of what our authorities are saying. Please don’t go out in groups more than five, stay home unless necessary to go out. The health authorities are doing an amazing job, and owe them our respect and obedience. Thank you for being part of our community, kindly cooperate with authorities.”
He also addressed the elderly. “They suffered but persevere, are resilient. Some passed through a war and come together. Those in same home should be courageous together, those alone must understand that this is a hard time,” he said, adding that people can communicate through modern means. We also need to pray for each other and national. “Be courageous, don't give up, if needed call, many are willing to help.”
“This is a fight that we need to win. A battle we need to fight together. Harder times are coming and I am saying this so that we will be prepared, mentally, to understand that after this passes there will be good.”
“We need to have the ability to understand that if we pass through this together, will be able to live in a better society.”
Delia said that we need to make a collective effort, understand that everyone can do something, take precautions, “to do our part to help in managing the situation so that our health authorities can guide us. We are capable of doing it together.”