OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 was first detected in China and has now become a global pandemic. Government reactions varied in different countries. In Malta, the authorities took immediate action, assessments scaling of the potential public health threat. The article aims to briefly outline Malta's pandemic preparedness while describing the processes and purchases to face this pandemic. Costings for this exercise in risk mitigation were estimated as a percentage of the country's gross domestic product and the national budget. RESULTS: Among many actions, the Intensive Care facilities were ramped up from 20 beds in one area to 100 beds in five areas. Up to 600 extra COVID-19 beds for severely ill patients were also catered for, in addition to creation of several swabbing centers. The Central Procurement and Supplies Department (CPSU) was responsible for the sourcing and distribution of all protective wear and equipment across the country for all Government departments. CPSU was also involved in sourcing alternative clinical locations to house COVID-19 positive patients. In Malta, COVID-19 preparations cost at least 100 million, that is 1.9% of total anticipated government expenditure for 2020. CONCLUSION: The local pandemic preparation ran smoothly apart from a number of hitches that were dealt with swiftly and efficiently, displaying an agility and nimbleness. Malta has been fortunate in that the Government, advised by Public Health, reacted swiftly in order to control local spread. The silver lining is that these preparations and the preparedness exercise will serve in good stead in the setting of future pandemics.
One of COVID-19's many costs: Malta's expenditure in consumables and non-consumables, a population-based study