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Three youngsters were reportedly found living in restrictive conditions following extended adherence to pandemic guidelines, well beyond the end of such restrictions.

A couple from Germany living in Spain has been arrested for allegedly confining their three children indoors and enforcing strict pandemic protocols, including mask-wearing, over the past four years.

The siblings, aged eight (twins) and ten, were rescued from the residence in Oviedo on Monday (April 28) after being confined since approximately December 2021.

Upon their liberation, authorities observed that the children exhibited unusual behavior outdoors, touching grass and showing fascination with a snail.

According to the New York Post, an investigator stated, “Upon their release, all three children began to breathe deeply, almost as if they had never experienced being outside before.”

Authorities became aware of the situation when a neighbor reported on April 14 that the children were not attending school, as reported by El Comercio.

While Oviedo Police Chief Javier Lozano initially found no cause for concern, suspicions arose when surveillance revealed that the father, aged 53, was the sole family member seen leaving the residence for groceries and mail.

Other neighbors confirmed that the family had not left the house since December 2021.

When authorities approached the family, the father reportedly allowed them entry, revealing that the mother, a 48-year-old German-American woman, was seen placing three masks on each child, according to El Mundo.

She allegedly warned authorities to “be cautious” because her children were very ill.

Upon entering, authorities discovered a residence filled with waste, large quantities of medication, and masks, creating an obviously unhygienic environment.

José Ramón Prado, Councilor for Citizen Security, described it as a “hazardous atmosphere.”

Despite their ages, the children slept in cribs surrounded by defaced toys and dolls.

Medical evaluations indicated that the children were not suffering from any physical illnesses.

During a press conference, Lozano referred to the residence as a “scene of horror,” with another officer telling El Mundo that the children were in deplorable conditions. It was distressing. They were not undernourished; they were fed. “They were dirty and disoriented, not only because they were not attending school.”

The reporting officer added, “When we brought them outside, to the garden where they had never been, they saw a snail and were completely fascinated.”

Subsequently, the children were placed in a juvenile center, while their parents remain in pretrial detention without bail.

According to the Oviedo Police Department, the couple, allegedly affected by enduring consequences of COVID-19, faces charges including domestic violence, severe psychological abuse, and child neglect.

Lozano further remarked, “We have all been impacted by the long-term effects attributed to COVID-19 and the consequences of the pandemic. Speculation arises about what led this family to live in isolation for such an extended period.”