"I understand Easter is a time of celebration, but we'll have a chance to celebrate it next year."
Prof. Charmaine Gauci issued words of warning ahead of Easter weekend
Following news of Malta's first two Covid-19 deaths, a drawn Prof. Charmaine Gauci expressed her sadness at such an occurence: "It is with great sorrow that I come here and share such sad news with you," she said during today's press conference, as she extended her condolences to the mourning families.
Re-iterating Health Minister Chris Fearne's words, Prof. Gauci emphasizes that these will not be the only deaths and asked for continued public cooperation especially during the upcoming Easter weekend.
Traditionally a time of celebration and religious rituals, Prof. Gauci asked the public to forego the usual festivities: "I understand this is a time of celebration, but we'll have a change to celebrate Easter next year, God willing," she said.
Prof. Gauci called for families not to hold Easter lunches and highlighted that family members too need to do their part in protective vulnerable people: "Let’s not congregate at each other's houses this year. It’s a big risk," she insisted. Offering a safe alternative to the situation, Prof. Gauci advocated the use of technology for families to keep in contact.
"The only way we can protect vulnerable people is if you stay inside. And that has to come from family members too," she concluded.
Malta's first two Covid-19 deaths involve a 92-year-old Gozitan woman, who passed away yesterday afternoon, and a 79-year-old man, who passed away overnight. Currently, a total of 16 patients are in recovery.