‘Heroes of the pandemic’ are honoured in Elche on Spain’s Costa Blanca

‘Heroes of the pandemic’ have been honoured in Elche on Spain’s Costa Blanca with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to resident Cecilio Velasco, who beat the killer bug after a two month battle.

LOCAL journalist and writer, Monica Carrillo, has also been awarded the 2020 Honourable Mention for “personifying a key group during the epidemic in her work as an informer”.

The honour and award presentation was organised by Vinalopó Hospital in its 10th Defenders of Health Tribute Event.

The ceremony marked “the gratitude of an entire society towards its health personnel, who have fought in the front line against the coronavirus despite the risks”.

Councillor for Health, Mariola Galiana, the MD of the Department of Health of Vinalopó, Rafael Carrasco, and director of Primary Attention of the Department of Health of the General Hospital, Carlos de Gregorio, attended the event, along with health staff and patients.

“Thank you to the health personnel for being there, taking care of us and watching over each one of us,” said Galiana, referring to the “battle against an invisible enemy” waged by assistants, nurses and doctors.

“It is an honour to share this endearing act with you, who offer a comprehensive and quality health service”, she continued, reiterating “the great and excellent work” carried out in the health centres over the last few months, in which staff “have given their all against Covid-19”.

The councillor added that “the way in which the most vulnerable are cared for is a tangible demonstration of the level of development and progress of a society”.

The event, which included health and hygiene security measures to prevent contagion, was attended by around 100 people.

One of those, Cecilio Velasco, overcame his illness after being admitted to the Vinalopó Hospital for almost two months.

Galiana said the tribute was dedicated “to all those who have suffered, both those who have overcome it and those who have not”, and in memory of “those who lost their lives and their families”.

She added that “although there are no active cases of Covid-19 in Elche hospitals, we must not lower our guard and must continue with the elementary measures so as not to take steps backwards”.

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Tara Rippin

Tara Rippin is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News, and is responsible for the Costa Blanca region.
She has been in journalism for more than 20 years, having worked for local newspapers in the Midlands, UK, before relocating to Spain in 1990.
Since arriving, the mother-of-one has made her home on the Costa Blanca, while spending 18 months at the EWN head office in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
She loves being part of a community that has a wonderful expat and Spanish mix, and strives to bring the latest and most relevant news to EWN’s loyal and valued readers.

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