Ayuso Defends Madrid's Pandemic Response Amidst Controversy Over Care Home Deaths
On Wednesday, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, addressed the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic on its fifth anniversary, focusing specifically on the tragic circumstances of those who died in care homes. Ayuso remarked that while many individuals passed away in isolation, lacking the presence of their families, they were provided comfort by healthcare and social care professionals. This statement came amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding the handling of the pandemic and the high mortality rates in Madrid's residences.
Critics have accused Ayuso of dodging accountability for the staggering 7,291 deaths reported in these facilities, a figure the Community of Madrid has revised down to slightly over 4,000. In her institutional statement, Ayuso emphasized what she called the manipulation of this tragedy and reiterated data her government released in June 2020. She mentioned that 232 residences were medicalized and 11,500 transfers to hospitals were conducted based on health criteria.
Notably absent from her speech was any acknowledgment of the controversial health protocols enacted on March 18, 20, 24, and 25, which limited the transfer of residents with significant dependency or cognitive impairment to hospitals. Moreover, police reports indicated that 67% of the inspected care homes in Madrid lacked adequate medical staff, with some facilities having just one doctor for an unmanageable number of residents.
Ayuso put the spotlight on the national government, holding them responsible for not following the World Health Organization's warnings regarding COVID-19 in early 2020. She contended that Barajas airport remained open for far too long and that large events were allowed to proceed without appropriate health measures, suggesting that the central government only responded effectively after her administration began proactive measures.
Demonstrating her leadership during the crisis, Ayuso praised her government for being the first region to close schools, procure medical supplies internationally, and integrate public and private healthcare systems to bolster hospital capacity. She took pride in the establishment of emergency hospitals such as Ifema and Zendal, despite facing significant opposition at the time.
According to Ayuso, once the Community of Madrid took charge of its pandemic response, the situation improved significantly. She criticized what she described as unnecessary and poorly justified mass closures that overshadowed the region's efforts. "We live under that wonderful criterion of freedom, economy, and the best public services," she asserted, painting Madrid as a vibrant, hospitable locale.
To conclude her remarks, Ayuso called for responsibility, common sense, and respect for the truth—both for the deceased and their families. Her statements, however, continue to attract scrutiny as debate persists about the effectiveness and morality of the response to one of the deadliest public health crises in recent history.
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