ARCHIVED - Woman who refused jab dies of Covid at Alicante hospital

The 58-year-old died of serious lung damage at Elda hospital in the Mitja Vinalopó comarca, Alicante province

A 58-year-old woman from Elda who reportedly refused vaccination has died of serious lung damage after being diagnosed with Covid.

The deceased was admitted to Elda Regional Hospital last week, but her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to ICU, where she died on Tuesday morning, August 17.

It's not clear why the woman refused to be vaccinated, but according to data from the Valencia region's Ministry of Health, only 1.8 per cent of the population has turned down the jab, either because they fear adverse reactions or because they suffer from blood diseases and are worried the vaccine will complicate their conditions.

The health department has sent second appointments to around 400,000 people across the region's three provinces, including Alicante, who previously refused the jab or for whatever reason have not been vaccinated.

By the end of this week, 70 per cent of the Valencian population are expected to have been fully immunised, with a view to having vaccinated 100 per cent by October 9.

The region now has the third lowest incidence rate in Spain, which has fallen to 326.44 per 100,000 cases - below the national average of 398.94.

But despite the favourable health data, the regional government has extended capacity restrictions and nightly curfews in 68 municipalities until September 6 in a bid to prevent a further rebound.

IMAGE: Sociedad Valenciana de Hospital a Domicilio