Chris Fearne tests positive for COVID-19

Health Minister Chris Fearne has tested positive for COVID-19 days after celebrating the general election result in a packed counting hall and hours after shaking the hand of the prime minister during a swearing-in ceremony.
Writing on Facebook, the deputy prime minister said he tested positive after being tested earlier on Thursday. He said he is in quarantine and will continue working virtually.

Fearne was among cabinet members and their family gathered at the Palace in Valletta on Wednesday for a swearing-in ceremony.
At one point, he shook the hand of the prime minister in front of the president. None of the three were wearing masks.
A maskless Chris Fearne shakes hands with Prime Minister Robert Abela after being sworn in as minister by President George Vella on Wednesday. Photo: Jonathan Borg
On Sunday, the deputy prime minister was pictured carried aloft on supporters' shoulders as a packed counting hall celebrated Labour's massive victory in the 2022 general election. 
It is not clear if any other cabinet members have tested positive for the virus at this stage. Prime Minister Robert Abela is due to meet Pope Francis on Saturday during his papal visit to...