Health authorities detected 153 new COVID-19 cases between Monday and Tuesday, with 89 other patients recovering overnight. 

The additional new cases bumped the number of active cases in Malta to over 2,000 for the first time since the pandemic reached the country in March. 

It comes as Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli and Culture Minster Jose Herrera face criticism for encouraging people to gather in Valletta with free parking as part of the upcoming Christmas in the City event. 

Tuesday's 153 new cases were detected from 3,296 swab tests. 

In total, Malta has reported 7,396 COVID-19 cases so far. Of those patients, 5,274 have recovered while 81 have died, leaving some 2,041 patients with the virus.

Doctors say 80 patients are seriously ill in Mater Dei, with 12 being treated in intensive care. 

The cases reported on Tuesday are still being investigated by contact tracing teams. 

Of Monday's cases: 

  • 15 were family members of positive cases
  • Six were in direct contact with positive cases
  • Four were imported
  • Two were work colleagues of positive cases
  • Two were at social gatherings with positive cases

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