Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci personally poured cold water on rumours circulating widely that she had resigned from her position.

Rumours said that following arguments between the Health Ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister about the relaxation of measures, Prof Gauci had tendered or was about to tender her resignation.

Media reports quoting official health authorities had said the story was untrue late this morning, however proceeding a second wave of rumours that Prof Gauci witnessed an argument between the two ministries and was about to resign, she issued her own statement via social media:

“The medical profession is inspired by vocation. Like any vocation, work requires sacrifices, dedication and love for what you are doing, because you know that what you are doing is influencing your life and what you are. I have the privilege to serve my country and you in difficult and unpredictable circumstances.

“We are at a crossroads and I will continue to play an important role with full responsibility and loyalty as I have always done. The rumours that I resigned, or that I was about to resign are a total invention.

“The cooperation of the public and the respect from the authorities, no matter what environment they come from, which has been shown to me in these times has been crucial so that together with my team and professionals we can do our job with the utmost dedication, impartiality and professionalism. And I will continue to do so.”

The public, business owners and politicians have debated with fervour over whether Prime Minister Robert Abela’s decision to have bars, restaurants, dining areas, pool lidos and outside establishments to reopen their doors, subject to distancing protocols, this Friday to be a hasty move.

Malta has experienced double digit daily increases, together with an increase in testing, over the past week. Today, 15 new cases of the virus were found from a total of 1,358 swab tests carried out on Wednesday. Details of the new cases, whether they originated from clusters or the community, are not known as Prof Gauci will be delivering a press briefing tomorrow. There are currently 125 active cases of a total 599 reported cases since the virus began.

Medical workers, nursing unions and the doctors unions have called on the authorities to postpone the reopening of establishments by two weeks, in light of recent figures.

Despite this, since social distancing guidelines were issued by the authorities on Monday in anticipation for establishments allowing to reopen on Friday, a total of 157 dining outlets applied for a COVID-19 compliance sticker issued by the Malta Tourism Authority.