The president of the Community of Madrid has described the Spanish Government's response to the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius as "absolute confusion" and "lack of control." In an interview with a television channel, the regional leader criticized the inconsistent versions provided by various ministries regarding quarantines and action protocols.
The autonomous administration has expressed its displeasure over the lack of transparency in choosing Madrid as the destination for the 14 Spanish citizens remaining on the ship. The president emphasized that the Community of Madrid continues to receive no official information about the passengers' condition or whether mandatory quarantines will be legally imposed on them.
“"What I do not agree with is not knowing why it is Madrid or under what criteria."
Despite criticisms of state coordination, the president sought to convey a message of reassurance regarding the local response capacity, affirming that Madrid's healthcare system is "first-rate." She reiterated her confidence in the region's healthcare and facilities like the Gómez Ulla Hospital, pledging to allocate all necessary resources to address the health crisis.
Furthermore, the president raised questions about potential legal loopholes in crisis management, questioning whether Spanish legislation permits compelling citizens to remain isolated in the military hospital under current conditions. She lamented that autonomous communities are "without information and hearing different versions depending on the ministry you speak to," describing this situation as "unacceptable."
These statements add to previous complaints from the Minister of Health, intensifying the tone of the Community of Madrid towards the Ministry of Health amidst an international biological alert for the Andes strain.
