Pego twins born during lockdown

A PEGO couple has had something to celebrate despite the lockdown – they have just given birth to twin girls, and what could have been a risky procedure went without a hitch.

Clara Pastor and Josep Sastre turned up at Dénia hospital on the day of the mother's scheduled Caesarean section, masked and gloved, and were immediately taken into safe confinement – given that the unit where Coronavirus patients are being treated is just a few doors away.

The national quarantine had not started when Clara was given her operation date, but as time went on and the headlines grew bleaker, the couple were starting to worry. Now, though, their main concern is that their families and friends will not be able to meet their new daughters Berta and Carla.

They gave the experience a 10 out of 10, saying it felt weird to be in a 'parallel universe' to all the 'drama and suffering in the news'.

The family was back home in Pego three days later with a clean bill of health. Just as many babies are being born in Dénia hospital as before the Covid-19 crisis, says the management – an average of three a day – although mums are now kept separate from each other

They also pass through a 'back corridor' when entering and leaving the hospital, and have a dedicated staff team not involved with any patients other than maternity, as a precaution.

At the moment, says head of paediatrics Dr Josep Mut, no cases of new or soon-to-be mothers with Covid-19 have been reported in the Marina Alta, and reassures them that they will be safe when attending the hospital.

“Don't be afraid of coming to hospital when the moment comes, and don't try to hold out

Dénia hospital assures mumsto-be are 'perfectly safe' at the hospital, which is 'far from overwhelmed with patients' as Covid-19 incidence is 'very low' in district

for as long as you can – it's more dangerous to do that than to just come in, and we're not overwhelmed with patients like in some parts of the country,” Dr Mut stresses.

He says the incidence of Covid-19 in the Marina Alta continues to be very low, and that the hospital is 'far from' having to turn itself into an exclusivelyCoronavirus centre.