Two out of three who died from COVID-19 in Spain are elderly

USPA NEWS - Two out of every three who died in Spain due to the Coronavirus are people over 65 years old. The latest figures provided this Monday by health officials indicate that, until Sunday night, 200,210 positive cases had been registered. Among them, there are 20,852 deceased and 80,587 have been cured. During the last 24 hours, 399 patients died in Spain from COVID-19, the lowest number since March 22.

Of the 20,852 deaths from Coronavirus in Spain since the pandemic began, 13,954 are elderly over 65, according to data provided by the Spanish regional authorities. It is 66.92% of the total deaths from the pandemic. According to the person in charge of the Office for the Coordination of Sanitary Emergencies, Dr. Fernando Simón, the number of deaths continues to drop, which "encourages hope" and "confirms the decline." However, this expert insists that it is necessary to maintain movement restrictions because the confinement of the Spanish "has been proven effective" against the transmission of the virus.

Spanish health officials admit that allowing the departure of children under 12 from Monday, April 27, increases the risk of new infections, but children - explains Dr. Fernando Simón - only transmit the virus if they are infected. "A single person does not infect anyone," according to this expert, "but no exceptions can be made" in confinement.

Among those infected by the Coronavirus, health personnel is already 15% of the total: 30,663 infected health workers, of whom 30 are deceased. The delay in providing this group with masks, gloves and other elements of protection against the pandemic is at the origin of these figures. Some doctors and nurses even received defective masks, although the person in charge of the Office of Coordination of Sanitary Emergencies does not believe it necessary to repeat the tests on this group. The action of the health personnes is being recognized daily by the Spanish, who applaud each afternoon at 8 p.m. And the US Embassy in Madrid, through companies such as Uber Spain, Correos, Food 4 Heroes and Little Caesar Spain, is taking pizzas to Ramón y Cajal, Gregorio Marañón, La Paz, Carlos III and HM Hospitales Sanchinarro hospitals, and the National Police station on Príncipe de Vergara street in Madrid to "show our appreciation to those who are giving their all at the moment," explain from the diplomatic legation.

The gesture has been recognized by the Spaniards on social networks. "It seems to me a really honorable gesture towards the Spanish people," writes Ismael Sánchez Sierra. “The image of you applauding our health workers with your family, as well as the projection of the Spanish national flag in the Embassy building are images that will not be forgotten on our minds. I also want to say that, from my heart, I hope that the COVID-19 will decrease in a city as beautiful as it is emblematic like New York, with other cities being threatened such as Chicago or Los Angeles, and that the virus be annihilated by your great nation.“

COVID-19 in the economy

The Bank of Spain published this Monday its predictions for the coming months, in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the issuing bank, the Spanish economy will contract due to the virus between 6.6% and 13.6%. The prediction is based on data such as the signing of employment contracts fell in March by 26.5%. Among them, labor contracts - including permanent contracts - fell 50% that month.