Spanish health workers win 2020 Princess of Asturias Award

Spain's health workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic were on Wednesday named winners of the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Concord 2020.

The jury said that the health workers are "on the front line of the fight against the illness in our country and ever since the start of this health emergency, they have shown an incredible level of professionalism and commitment."

The jury noted that since the start of the pandemic in Spain, over 50,000 medical workers have been infected with COVID-19 and more than 60 have lost their lives.

"Exposed to a high, aggressive viral load, in the face of long working hours, sometimes without suitable equipment or material means, ... their unconditional dedication represents an exercise in exemplary citizenship and in their vocation to serve," the jury said.

The Princess of Asturias Awards, established 40 years ago, are granted in eight categories and aim to recognize and reward "the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work carried out at an international level by individuals, institutions or groups of individuals or institutions."

The award winners receive a cash prize of 50,000 euros and a sculpture expressly created for the awards by Spanish artist Juan Miro in a ceremony held in the city of Oviedo in northern Spain in the presence of the Spanish royal family every October.