Before social media starts to fill up with idyllic photos and videos these days, I would like to close the year with a brief mention of what is important and simultaneously unusual about this year two thousand and twenty: the vaccine.
First of all, before commenting on the details of this special day for the Spanish population - in general - and for the Canarian people - in particular, it is obligatory to offer condolences to all the people who have lost family members due to this drastic situation that we have had to live through.
With regard to vaccination, we have seen how a consolidated, mature Europe, concerned about the interests of its members, signed up to the purchase of doses so that member countries would receive the vaccine with the greatest guarantees. Thus, the Spanish State has deployed all its logistical apparatus so that the first doses reach each and every corner of the map.
It is here, the vaccine, the product of the titanic effort of researchers to develop it and be able to supply it to the people most exposed and with the greatest vulnerability to COVID-19, in order to achieve the immune response that we so desired. However, there is considerable skepticism in the population about the vaccine in relation to its effectiveness and safety. However, all of this largely derives from erroneous information about vaccines, and the appearance of a huge amount of "noise" that has occurred in anti-vaccine groups that has been effectively exploited on social networks, creating confusion and fueling fears among the undecided, which could undermine and demolish progress to extend immunity to all members of society, despite the clear evidence of the ability of vaccines to save lives and control disease.
There is no better way to say goodbye to the year than with today, December 27, 2020, the first doses of the vaccine to combat COVID-19 arrive at our nursing homes and hospitals. Despite all the logistical challenges posed by the vaccine, they are here and we have been able to see how they are starting to do their job.
We receive it with great enthusiasm, with hope. Emotions that could be seen in the eyes and in the sly gestures of some of the seven women residing in senior centers on each of the islands between 67 and 95 years old. With the attitude that we are on the right track. Believing that life can be better than we have had it over the last few months, and with the vaccine it will all be a reality. This Sunday is the best of all we have had in this year two thousand and twenty.
By the way, I remember a phrase from the former president of the Republic of Uruguay, José Mujica, in an interview in which he stated "The human being is tremendously strong, he is capable of enduring very hard situations". We have certainly witnessed it in those health professionals and all those outside the sector who have worked on the front line of battle contributing to the fight against the coronavirus. Therefore, THANK YOU.
In short, we must not lose perspective, the pandemic is not over, so we must continue to comply with the prevention and protection measures against this virus as fulminating as it is inexplicable and obey the recommendations that experts entrust to us. There are still months of suffering - I don't say it, but the experts do - but with the vaccine, without a doubt, it will be much more bearable.
I wish you the best of luck and a prosperous 2021, full of health and enthusiasm.
