Another 659 new COVID-19 cases were detected between Thursday and Friday, according to data published online by the Superintendence of Public Health.

The data revealed that four people died while infected with the virus overnight. No information about the victims has been made available. The number of people who died while positive with the virus has now reached 656. 

Friday's new cases mean the number of known active cases has gone up to 8,592, the highest since January 22.

The data made available publicly does not include information about the number of patients requiring hospital treatment or intensive care, despite Health Minister Chris Fearne having said last September that focus would be shifting to measuring hospital cases as a matter of priority. 

Health Ministry officials stopped publishing daily COVID-19 updates on Facebook abruptly last week, one day after Labour’s electoral victory. No explanation was given for the sudden change. 

Despite an increase in COVID numbers over recent days, Fearne on Monday announced further easing of restrictions. 

COVID self-testing will this week become legal in Malta, while those travelling to Malta from a country on the red list will be allowed in with a negative PCR test or a vaccine or recovery certificate.

Children will no longer need to wear a mask in schools after April 13, while a second booster will be offered to the most vulnerable.

Hours after Fearne's announcement, the MUMN called on the health authorities to reduce the number of elective surgeries, warning staff cannot keep up with the increase in the number of COVID cases at Mater Dei. 

It said there are 150 COVID patients distributed across all wards at Mater Dei Hospital.