Malaga Medics Catch COVID at Christmas Bash
What Happened?
On December 1st, a festive gathering in the ICU of Malaga’s University Regional Hospital turned into a viral hotspot. 68 nurses and doctors – all fully vaccinated and with recent antigen checks – found themselves bumping into the cough that’s been calling the name “COVID‑19.”
The Party Snapshot
It was a merry affair: 173 people from the hospital scene, all shaking hands, clinking glasses and eating a large meal. Out of those, nearly 70 healthcare heroes later tested positive for the virus.
Symptoms, Vaccines, and A Few Patches
- Everyone tested positive after having their booster shot (the 3rd one) and a negative antigen test.
- The cases were mild – no one had to be rushed to the ICU (ironically).
- Only four instances of the Omicron variant appeared elsewhere, mainly in the Balearic Islands.
Why The COVID Party?
Health officials are still looking into exactly how the virus slipped in. Possibilities? A staggering meal for staff, an unguarded holiday dinner, or perhaps the legendary “let’s keep working, but let’s not stay home” vibe that swept through the region.
What the Leaders Are Saying
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez issued a reminder to keep the guard up: “We must not lower our guard,” he told journalists in Madrid. Meanwhile, Andalusia’s health board issued a hush-hush warning: public and private hospital staff are strongly advised to skip Christmas parties.
Takeaway
Holiday parties can be fun, but in a hospital environment, a small oversight can turn the room into a quasi‑viral campfire. Stay cautious, keep your vaccine up-to-date, and maybe leave the so‑called “coffee chatties” for a cooler setting.
