Community of Madrid Calls for Calm Amid Hantavirus Quarantine at Gómez Ulla
The Madrid Health Department has issued a message of reassurance to citizens following the announcement of a 14-day quarantine for Spaniards at the military hospital.
By Patricia Gómez Navarro
••2 min read
IA
Generic image of a microphone on a podium during a press conference.
The Health Department of the Community of Madrid has issued a message of calm to citizens regarding the upcoming quarantine of 14 Spaniards at Gómez Ulla Hospital, affected by a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
The head of Health for the Community of Madrid emphasized the region's preparedness for health emergencies, noting that Madrid has a Response Plan aligned with European standards. This plan is crucial for addressing situations like the Andes virus, which can be transmitted between humans.
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"I fully trust the public health authorities of the Community of Madrid, but what is clear is that we cannot trust the State, and especially a minister who destroys everything she touches."
She also criticized the lack of communication from the Ministry of Health, stating that the Community of Madrid was not informed about the transfer of the Spaniards to Gómez Ulla for their quarantine, estimated at about 45 days due to the virus's incubation period.
The Department reported an “absolute absence of information” from the Ministry, indicating that the situation of the 14 Spaniards, including three from Madrid, is known thanks to the proactive efforts of the Community of Madrid. It remains unknown whether the Madrid residents will be able to return to the capital after disembarking or if they will have to complete their quarantine elsewhere.
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"It worries us greatly because it reminds us of past times when Fernando Simón was made to speak, of whom I have very bad memories."
The head of Health stressed the importance of coordination and rigorous information in such situations, regretting the “absolute lack of communication” from state health authorities. She highlighted the need to understand the Andes hantavirus variant to update protocols and to “inform without alarming” the public.