“Something happened but they didn’t say it…”

In Images | Gastroenteritis outbreak in Tarazona, Novalas and TorrerasAndrea Volniku

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Maybe it’s because living in a town, away from the hustle and bustle, helps put things into perspective, but the truth is Residents of Novaras and Torreras have no panic or worries An outbreak of gastroenteritis has plagued parts of the region for two weeks.Life and daily life continue in these cities, located at the foot of the Moncayo Mountains, where the main “trouble” is at home, due to the impossibility of daily use of saliva, and The ‘big problem’ centers on ‘lack of information’ by the competent authority.

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«We keep a bottle of water in the bathroom to remind ourselves that we have to brush our teeth with it.Beyond that, we were more surprised than worried because we saw The situation has dragged on for too long. exclaimed Petra García, Jesus García and Francisco Baquedano inside Tienda Juma on Monday. «Why don’t you tell us where this comes from? This has already happened in Tarazona and they informed us a few days later. We only received a few suggestions from one side and that was it», Petra noted.

On Monday, Esther Tomás from the BM store charges for a bottle of water.

«In this sense we are disturbed, but beyond that We didn’t feel any pressure, and life didn’t turn us upside down.

We buy bottled water and that’s it, but the city council shouldn’t be charging for water this month,” Jesus considered.

Novalas bid farewell to the celebrations six days ago, when city workers dismantled a mobile bullring in Plaza La Libertad. It’s Monday again at the start of the week, with street markets filled with stalls and morning coffees in the sun. «It’s not pleasant, but if you normally already use purchased water, you will barely notice a change. I’m more concerned about my parents, they’re older, but that’s it,” said Maria Jose Fernandez.

inside BM store store, On Viergen Street they have been placing “big” water orders for days, with several trays of bottles crowded at their door. «At first people took many bottles at once, Just in case, but now they are moving forward bit by bit. There was chaos in the first few hours, but it has calmed down now,” Esther Thomas said as she assisted a neighbor, who clarified: “People haven’t realized the seriousness of the matter yet“, He said.

inside middle world bar, Its owner, Ramón Carcavilla, is very conscious of dimensions. «The coffee machine works at a very high temperature, no problem because I already use bottled water. I bought ice cubes and washed them in the dishwasher at high temperature.», he said while talking to fellow Novalas resident Eduardo García in a bar. «DWe have been vigilant after hearing about cases of gastroenteritis after the holidays.“, he added.

In Torreras, about 10 kilometers away, almost no one was walking on the streets at noon. Three neighbors were drinking at a table in the Terraza del Queiles bar and did not notice any health alerts. «You are more careful at home, but nothing can disturb your life. What really bothers us is the lack of news and knowing things through the internet or media. Something happened over the past few days and I think we gave too little notice.

», think Susana Sánchez, Monica Arjona and Jaime Pugh.

“There are still some problems with the network or the water system in Tarazona because we don’t have running water there, but nothing is happening,” said a resident of Torreras.

In the town of Torreras, which has nearly 300 residents, health authorities are awaiting confirmation of a number of suspected gastroenteritis cases linked to the outbreak. Regardless, its neighbors are “incredulous” at the possibility of widespread contamination along the Quailes River. «Tarazona had more problems with its network or distribution since we couldn’t drink running water there, but nothing happened. In the meetings they held, mayors of small towns were supposed to be included, and we were not considered. It makes us angry because they left us alone,” said Conchi Pérez, the restaurant’s owner. «The river has been polluted for years and its water is known to be anything but pure. There are many companies nearby, so check everything carefully. There’s something going on that they’re not saying, but I don’t think it’s generalized to river pollution because we’re going to be affected here, right? asked another neighbor.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Tarazona, there are many neighbors who know affected people or have gastroenteritis themselves, as most patients are registered in the city. «A number is given, but I know people who are sick but have not been to the medical center here.», Gregorio pointed out at the door of the health center. “We went on a trip last week and when we came back we found this. Let’s see if they can fix this now because it’s a little weird,” one couple said.

Ramón Carcavilla, owner of the Medio Mundo bar in Novaras.

It’s in front of the city hall Hotel Tarazona Encanto. Although they have been inquired by some suspicious customers, they have not seen any cancellations due to concerns about the outbreak. «Here we always have two free bottles of water in the room, no problem.”You explain to them that they can’t drink from the tap and that’s it,” said hotel manager María Jesús Val. «The truth is“We’re a little scared because it’s been 15 days and things haven’t stopped.”, he added. “But hey, it’s not a big deal, is it?” his mother, María José Laselas, pointed out.

At a nearby supermarket, Rebecca Diago was restocking bottles on the shelves and said she already had another big order. “There’s a lot of demand, especially here because we have a residence and a school next door. But come on, what As long as they don’t lock us down like coronavirus, everything will be fine», he downplayed the issue.