MEP Cutajar champions essential workers and mental health in EP’s post-Covid report

Marking three years and four months since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, MEP Josianne Cutajar emphasised the importance of reflecting on the implications and handling of the pandemic, even as the world continues to adapt and evolve.

In her capacity as a member of the European Parliament’s Covid-19 Special Committee, MEP Josianne Cutajar led the way in duly recognising the pivotal role played by all essential workers in the Report on the Covid-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future, which report garnered strong support in this week’s Plenary vote.

Dr Cutajar made special reference to the transport and logistics workers who kept on working throughout the lockdowns and might not have been given the credit they deserve. “Our transport and logistics workers demonstrated unfaltering dedication to their roles, ensuring shelves remained stocked and necessary medications, including vaccines, reached their destination, regardless of the virus’ severity,” she noted.

Moreover, MEP Cutajar acknowledged the report’s emphasis on digitalisation which had proved to be a lifebuoy not only for much of the economy to keep on going, but also in the provision of public services such as education and healthcare.

Lastly, Josianne Cutajar commended the report for robustly addressing the pandemic’s mental health impact. She also welcomed the inclusion of several amendments she spearheaded on mental health and recognising the additional effect on females. “We cannot forget the fact that the pandemic left women struggling with disproportionate care duties, as well as a higher risk of dometic violence abuse,” concluded the MEP.