30/03/2020 - 09:31
A white backpacker bundles her belongings through the narrow doorway of a local bus. She immediately draws stares from a group of elderly locals, who begin to shift uneasily on their seats. Their thoughts had turned towards the deadly virus spreading uncontrollably around the world, and more specifically to news that the epicentre was now focussed in Europe. Alarmist Reports of impending doom circulating around the small touristic town of Guatapé in Colombia had raised tensions, and chatter amongst its townspeople centred solely on the Coronavirus. Read more
30/03/2020 - 09:29
One minute I was looking at my parents and their friends, and wondering what it would be like to be as old as them; the next thing I knew, I was. Yet here we are, even more baffled by life than when we were small children, with our new found status; confined to barracks as soldiers in war time, and what’s worse, expecting to be on the front line! We find ourselves in this new found existence suddenly imposed on us for our good and that of our small nation; without the help of a vade mecum to guide us through our unchartered times. Read more
30/03/2020 - 09:27
by SAMANTHA SACRAMENTO
Minister for Civil Contingencies*
I would like to give you an overview and an update of the work being undertaken by the Office of Civil Contingencies and I’d like to assure you that everything that is happening during this pandemic is co-ordinated through the Office of Civil Contingencies under the direction of the Civil Contingencies Co-ordinator, Ivor Lopez. This is essentially the nerve centre for what is happening in Gibraltar. Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:43
Yesterday's press conference was led by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Information Dr Joseph Garcia, with Minister for Civil Contingencies Samantha Sacramento also in attendance.
The press conference was about the huge logistical operation that continues to be mounted around us as we do battle against the Coronavirus COVID-19. Minister Sacramento explained this in more detail. She has played a significant role in the logistical and other aspects of this fight. Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:42
The Coronavirus crises presents Governments everywhere with various dilemmas on how to best manage risks.
In policymaking, every decision has consequences which may also include unintended ones. Policy consultees may present different qualified opinions on various aspects and areas, but also on the timing and logistics of decisions which can be confusing to the ordinary citizen when conflicting issues develop. Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:36
In a gesture of support for the members of our essential services and healthcare professionals, the balcony of the Moorish Castle was illuminated in blue starting at 8pm and then at that time every evening during the current coronavirus COVID-19 emergency.
At 8pm in recent days, residents of several estates have spontaneously moved out on to their balconies in order to show their own support with applause and cheers. Ships in the Bay have also been participating by sounding their sirens. Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:36
The Chairperson of the Gibraltar Pro Life Movement, Mrs Patricia Parody, says the charity has made a financial contribution to the GHA COVID 19 fund.
Mrs Parody said: “In GPLM our focus has always been on working within the community of Gibraltar to safeguard lives and support each other. We feel that during this crisis, every organisation has to participate as much as possible to protect Gibraltar from the Coronavirus. To that end, our trustees have agreed to contribute the sum of £5,000 to the COVID 19 fund.” Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:34
The Government is completely confident of its ability to fund the GHA throughout the current COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
However, it is obvious that the spirit of generosity among the people of Gibraltar and the business community knows no bounds. Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:34
I have previously written about how in the America’s, the arrival of Spanish conquistadores brought disease to many indigenous people who had no immunity to new infectious; and by exposing them to these they died in their thousands. Curiously, in my browsing recently through history, I came across a very similar scenario; except this time the happening was attributed to the English. Read more
27/03/2020 - 10:33
HOSPITAL staff in Madrid have warned that services are “collapsing” as wards are overwhelmed with cases.
A total of 3,434 Spaniards have died from the disease, including 738 over the latest 24-hour period, to take deaths in the country ahead of those recorded in China where the virus first took hold.
Only Italy, which has suffered 7,503 deaths, has fared worse, and the number losing their lives in Spain is continuing to rise quickly. Medical staff in the capital, Madrid, which has converted its major ice rink into a makeshift mortuary, are being cheered by members of the public as they go to work. Read more
