Las decisiones políticas tienen consecuencias en vidas humanas.
The Minister of Science, Innovation, and Universities, Diana Morant, defended the leadership of the Valencian community during the Covid-19 pandemic, while questioning the decisions made in the Madrid community and warning that «you must be aware that political decisions are beyond science.»
«There were other people who made different decisions, like keeping bars open, and this resulted, for example, in the Madrid community becoming the European region with the highest excess mortality from coronavirus,» said Moran during her speech at the science days against Covid-19, five years later, organized by RNE and reported by Europa.
Therefore, when asked why there were failures in the institutions, leading to higher Covid-19 impact on residents in nursing homes, Morant mentioned that «there is a review in progress,» while highlighting that the Valencia community was one of the regions with the «lowest presence of the coronavirus.»
«A large tracking system was implemented, and very restrictive measures were taken. I was the mayor of Gandía. Gandía was the first city in Spain where ‘pubs’ were closed in 2021, in the middle of the tourist season,» she explained.
During her speech, the Minister stated that, five years after the arrival of Covid-19, Spain is «much better prepared» due to the production of masks and vaccines.
«There was no company in our country producing the human vaccine, none. During Covid-19, many of our companies participated and were part of the vaccine production networks that led to our inoculation, and even designed and manufactured their own vaccine. Spain was one of the only seven countries in the world with a Covid vaccine,» she detailed.
Additionally, Morant emphasized that Spain continues to collaborate with Europe in vaccine production. «I joined a project called Health IPCEI, and a Spanish company will have production and manufacturing capabilities for vaccines, in case we face a situation like this.»
Looking towards the future, the Minister sees Spain «stronger and more prepared.» «The public was a great advocate for science during Covid-19, recognizing the value of science. Every year, we conduct a public survey on their perception and support for science, as well as their requests to public administrations,» she said.
At this moment, she recalled the «science pact» that led to the law on science, technology, and innovation. «This law obliges us to invest in science in a stable and increasing manner. This government complies with it, which is why I believe that in 5 years, we will be even better,» she stated.
Regarding ongoing Covid research in Spain, the Minister assured that «there are still active research lines,» and thus, the focus remains on «continuing to work on this new disease that resulted from Covid-19.»
FUENTE
