No matter what the outcome of this current situation, these people are doing their utmost to minimise the impact of the corona virus. These professionals are risking their own health apart from the sacrifice of not being with their loved ones. 

Malta pays public tribute to Maltese citizens who have distinguished themselves in different walks of life and whose contribution and achievement enrich the general well-being of their fellow countrymen as well as to foreign nationals who have distinguished themselves by their service in the promotion and fostering of international relations or who have earned the respect and gratitude of the people of the Maltese Islands. The State bestows its honours on Republic Day through appointments to The National Order of Merit and to the Ġieħ irRepubblika.

The honours given under the Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika Act are not intended to create a society of the elite. No special privileges and no financial benefits are attached to the awards. Granting honours is a symbolic and lasting way for a country to recognise the excellence, merit and effort of its citizens.