The possibility of nationwide rapid testing for the Maltese Islands has reportedly not been ruled out with the Health Department looking at other countries’ results of such testing before taking that next step.

This refers to Slovakia’s situation, where its entire 5.6 million population has been tested using rapid antigen tests. It has been reported that about one per cent of those participating tested positive for the virus, with the country embarking on its second round of nationwide testing.

Recently, Nationalist party health spokesperson Stephen Spiteri put forward a proposal to indeed rapid test the entire population, urging the islands to consider this as a last resort before the healthcare system collapses.

“This will enable asymptomatic spreaders to be screened and isolated. Intermittent stricter measures over the coming months until we achieve immunity through vaccination helps in the control of active cases and will enable our healthcare system to cope with their workload,” he said on Facebook.

In comments to Times of Malta, the World Health Organization shared its opinion on rapid testing for the islands. “If a country has additional capacity and wishes to conduct a broader testing initiative, then it is important this is properly communicated so people understand what they are being asked to do.”

“While testing policies differ from country to country, many are now making great efforts to increase their capacity as it becomes clear that the way to control the epidemic and save lives is to use a combination of swabbing, tracing contacts, treating and isolating those who are unwell and using physical distancing plus hand and respiratory hygiene,” the WHO spokesperson said.

Malta’s figures now stand at 2,079 active cases, with 90 victims who unfortunately passed away. Nearly every day, the islands have seen over 100 new cases together with a substantial amount of recoveries. So far, Malta has recorded 7,646 cases since the start of the pandemic and 5,479 recoveries.