A 79-year-old man became Malta's second COVID-19 victim during the night after a 92-year-old Gozitan woman died from the virus on Wednesday.

The Health Ministry said the man had been receiving care at Karin Grech Hospital and suffered from several health complications.

He had been tested for COVID-19 on April 6 after getting fever and he was found positive. The victim also had underlying conditions.

It is not clear how he contracted the virus that has infected 299 people in Malta, four of whom are in intensive care..

The ministry sent its condolences to the family and appealed to the people to protect the most vulnerable in society.

Those aged over 65 and people who have certain medical conditions have been told to remain indoors, leaving only for basic needs like food shopping.

On Wednesday night, Malta confirmed its first fatality from the virus that has spread worldwide.

The 92-year-old Gozitan woman also had underlying health conditions including heart and kidney problems as well as diabetes.

Health Minister Chris Fearne said that it was important families did not gather for Easter, as is the tradition.

Malta contracted its first case on March 7 but saw a huge spike earlier this week when the largest daily number of cases, 52, were confirmed.