General Coronavirus (COVID-19) Discussion (Non-Hockey Related) - Part 14

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Treb

Global Flanderator
May 31, 2011
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Montreal
didn't Spain and Belgium lockdown?

Spain: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31713-X/fulltext
So how is it possible that Spain now finds itself in this position?
Potential explanations point to a lack of pandemic preparedness (ie, weak surveillance systems, low capacity for PCR tests, and scarcity of personal protective equipment and critical care equipment), a delayed reaction by central and regional authorities, slow decision-making processes, high levels of population mobility and migration, poor coordination among central and regional authorities, low reliance on scientific advice, an ageing population, vulnerable groups experiencing health and social inequalities, and a lack of preparedness in nursing homes. These problems were exacerbated by the effects of a decade of austerity that had depleted the health workforce and reduced public health and health system capacities.
How did Spain get its coronavirus response so wrong?

On 19 February, 2,500 Valencia soccer fans mixed with 40,000 Atalanta supporters from Bergamo in Italy for a Champions League game in Milan which Giorgio Gori, mayor of Bergamo, has described as “the bomb” which exploded the virus in Lombardy.
In Spain, Valencia players, fans and sports journalists were among the first to fall ill.
The main reason for the quick spread through Spain may be completely mundane. It has been an unusually mild, sunny spring. In late February and early March, with temperatures above 20C (68F), Madrid’s pavement cafes and bars were heaving with happy folk, doing what Madrileños like best – being sociable. That means hugging, kissing and animated chatter just a few inches from someone else’s face.
On 8 March, just a week before the country was closed down, sports events, political party conferences and massive demonstrations to mark International Women’s Day all took place. Three days later, about 3,000 Atlético de Madrid fans flew together for another Champions League match in Liverpool.

The Socialist-led government of Pedro Sánchez reacted late and clumsily. The country lacked essential equipment. Ventilators, protective clothing for doctors and coronavirus tests are still only just being sourced. China has gone from villain to saviour, as equipment and tests pour in – much of it brokered by the same Chinese immigrant community that has closed shops and shut itself away to avoid a racist backlash.
 
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