This photographer is documenting medical workers caring for Barcelona’s elderly during the covid-19 pandemic
From the beginning of this crisis, we have been repeatedly told that some people are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus: people with underlying health problems like decreased lung function and high blood pressure, among other things. But we’ve also seen through the deaths that have ensued that elderly people are more susceptible to the virus as well. That has been true around the globe.
Associated Press photographer Emilio Morenatti has been documenting the plight of elderly Spanish citizens in the working-class neighborhood of Poble Sec in Barcelona. His photos hit hard. They are rife with feelings of helplessness and anxiety, as well as moments of tenderness and hope. They show not only the vulnerability of those who are frail and more susceptible to the virus, but also the efforts of a special group of people putting their own health on the line and showing great humanity as they struggle to help — the front-line responders.
Even as the virus sweeps the globe and continues to wreak havoc on our health-care facilities and economies, it hasn’t erased our pride and determination to survive. And this is just as true for the people in Poble Sec as it is anywhere else. Take 70-year-old Maria Perez Gomez, for example. After suffering breathing problems coupled with a cough and fever, she reluctantly called for help. When a doctor came to check on her, she told him, “Please leave me here at home, don’t take me to the hospital. … Tell me, doctor, that I don’t have the virus.” Poignant words that I am sure are echoed across the globe. Please, let us be safe. Just leave us alone.
Spain has reported one of the highest death rates from covid-19, the disease the virus causes. It has over 166,000 confirmed cases and 17,000 deaths. But there has been some good news. A little over a week ago, The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung reported that Spain, along with Italy, was starting to see infections, hospitalizations and deaths stabilize, even though they remain high.
You can follow along with Morenatti as he continues to report on this and many other issues through his Instagram account @emilio_morenatti.
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