Italy has recorded a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases for the second straight day, officials said while cautioning it was too soon to know if the worst is behind the country with the world's second-biggest caseload.
Data released by Italy's Civil Protection agency on Monday showed 4,789 new cases, nearly 700 fewer than the day-to-day increase of 5,560 new cases reported Sunday.
The European Parliament is working with member states to ensure that the EU can buy ventilators, masks and other medical equipment to be put at the disposal of hospitals across the EU.
Last week, the Commission set up a scheme to gather medical equipment (through rescEU) so that the necessary supplies to combat COVID-19 can quickly get to member states facing shortages of equipment. This equipment is needed to treat infected patients, protect health care workers and help slow down the spread of the virus.
Parliament is working with member states to swiftly approve 40 out of 50 million EUR for intensive care medical equipment such as ventilators and personal protective equipment, such as reusable masks.
Member states are also joining forces under the Joint Procurement Agreement to buy personal protective equipment, respiratory ventilators and items necessary for coronavirus testing. Working together in this way will give them a stronger position on the world market.
Bank of Valletta is to temporarily close eight branches and reduce business hours for the remainder in a bid to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Last week HSBC also announced the temporary closure of several branches, leaving open its branches at Valletta, Sliema, Mosta, Paola and Victoria.
Concern has been raised on social media about pictures showing people in queues outside bank branches, ignoring advice to stay a metre apart.
Bank of Valletta said on Monday that as from Tuesday, it will close its branches at Cospicua, Fgura, Fleur-de-Lys, Marsaxlokk, Msida, Qormi, Skyparks and Xewkija.
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HSBC Malta has launched a series of measures to support personal customers, employed in a range of sectors, who may be affected by the current COVID-19 outbreak.
These measures which are available immediately depending on the customer's circumstances and eligibility criteria, include a three-month capital repayment moratorium on home loans and personal loans.
BOV has said that it will assist smaller businesses in terms of working capital finance and moratoria.
The Malta Independent asked BOV whether, due to the fact that some people might lose their jobs or already lost their jobs, they would consider putting a moratorium on loans and whether they will be reducing bank charges?
The Chamber of SMEs has called on the government to save tens of thousands of jobs currently at risk, Chamber of SMEs CEO Abigail Mamo told The Malta Independent.
Speaking with this newsroom, Mamo highlighted how the government’s “ifs and buts” attitude is going to have a detrimental effect, and that right now, businesses are still carrying all the weight of the economic situation that the country is in.
