(Heredia) A group suspected of opposing the COVID-19 vaccine broke into a hospital in Heredia, Costa Rica, on Wednesday, attacking security guards, patients and medical staff, in order to forcibly remove a six-year-old boy. years, according to health authorities.
Posted at 9:41 p.m.
“The hospital was attacked by a group of anti-vaxxers who entered violently, assaulted officers, patients and staff and endangered everyone inside,” the director said. of the medical center, Priscilla Balmaceda.
The child is still hospitalized and will be released “once the pediatric and social work services of the hospital have authorized it”, she said.
According to Mme Balmaceda, the group, made up of around 30 people, were trying to get the child out, who had been hospitalized a few days earlier for a respiratory condition, and whose vaccination had therefore been recommended, despite the opposition of his parents. .
“The father of the child, a legal adviser and MP Shirley Diaz were received and we spoke respectfully and explained that we had to wait for the social service to indicate that the conditions for release were met […]. A few minutes later, the hospital was attacked by the anti-vaccine group,” she explained.
Mme Balmaceda said the group tried to reach the fourth floor, where the child is, and the social worker’s office.
The incident, filmed by demonstrators and hospital staff, led to the arrest of six people, two men and four women, who were brought to justice for the offense of rebellion. It is not known if either of the child’s parents was among them.
“This incident has endangered not only security and medical personnel, but also users and patients themselves,” said Román Macaya, director of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).
In Costa Rica, vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 has been mandatory since November.
If their parents or legal guardians object, the National Child Protection Agency (PANI) can intervene.
This obligation has provoked demonstrations in recent weeks in front of the Legislative Assembly in favor of freedom of decision for parents.
The incident led to the evacuation of the hospital and the suspension of consultations, laboratory appointments, X-rays and the temporary closure of the pharmacy.