The King and Queen of Spain held a number of video conferences from their home within the Palace of Zarzuela.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
Her Majesty held a video conference with the heads of Asociación Diabetes Madrid (Madrid Diabetes Association) and the Fundación para la Diabetes Novo Nordisk (Novo Nordisk Diabetes Foundation).
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
People with diabetes may suffer greater complications from COVID-19, making them a risk population during the epidemic. The two organisations are caring for people with diabetes through electronic messages, phone and by opening an Expert Channel in which specialists answer questions, and carrying out an information campaign on social networks. They also highlighted the importance of providing resources for professionals, volunteers, families, and people with type 1 and 2 diabetes with online seminars, guides, and publications.
Their Majesties held a video conference with the Board of Directors of the Asociación Educativa Ítaca (Ithaca Educational Association) who fight against child poverty and social exclusion in the north of L'Hospitalet. Since the pandemic the Association has worked as a social life guide to the highly vulnerable area, serving weekly more than 1,500 people, providing food, hygiene products, and psychological support. They are also addressing the digital divide and will begin distributing internet-ready computers and tablets to families who need them, enabling monitoring and coordination in school reinforcement actions. In addition, illiterate families will be provided with individualised classes.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia held a video conference with officials from the Federación Española de Industrias de Alimentación FIAB (Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries). FIAB informed Their Majesties that the food industry which consists of nearly half a million workers and over 30,000 companies have worked effectively to guarantee supplies. The increase in demand in the early stages of the pandemic was a result of the uncertainty caused by the crisis. FIAB has made a commitment to the most vulnerable during the crisis, many companies are making donations of materials and products both in health centers and to disadvantaged families while distributing masks and manufacturing disinfecting gel.