Precautionary measures against COVID-19 have always been taken in collaboration with health authorities, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Wednesday.

In a television interview on TVM News + Topik, Abela denied ever adopting a two-pronged approach, two measures during the pandemic.

“I don’t think there were two burdens for two measures – but our restrictions were light,” admitted Abela.

He added that the first set of measures adopted in the first months of the pandemic was aggressive, with the closure of non-essential stores and a three-month closure of the airport.

“Health was the priority, and it has remained the priority,” he remarked.

Abela said all measures taken during the pandemic were decided collectively. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci and Health Minister Chris Fearne will join Abela in meetings to make a balanced decision.

“Science is crystal clear: to date we have a stable situation that is under control, especially when it comes to the hospital.”

The interview was filmed a few days ago. Malta, meanwhile, registered 582 new cases on Wednesday and nurses are warning that the hospital is reaching a breaking point.

Several medical associations are calling for stricter measures to be introduced in hopes of stopping an increase in COVID-19 cases.

The Malta Association of Public Health Medicine has warned that the hospital will not be able to cope with the growing number of cases unless new measures are introduced. The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has called for the postponement of non-urgent hospital surgeries, the closure of bars, and a curfew to combat the pandemic.