Malta’s second coronavirus patient has recovered. This was announced in a news conference earlier by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne, outlining the ongoing preparations currently under way at Mater Dei. Minister Fearne also said that all other infected patients are in good health and recovering well.

Fearne explained that for the health services to cope it would be better if ten new cases are confirmed every day for 30 days than a 100 patients for 3 days. He continued that while it seemed like a paradox, it would be ideal if we can lengthen the time until the disease peaks.

Moreover, he stressed that all available resources are being utilised enabling health services to cater for a worst-case scenario should the need arise.

Dr Fearne continued that in addition to the beds available at Mater Dei, Malta has 28 more beds with the full staff complement necessary located in another hospital. Boffa hospital has another 12 beds which will be increased to 65.

All in all, 680 new beds to treat Covid-19 patients will be available at Mater Dei Hospital and facilities outside the hospital, including the Gozo General Hospital. 100 beds in ITU will be made available, with a new emergency unit set up at Mater Dei to deal specifically with Covid-19 cases.