Experts in virology, epidemiology and related knowledge are cautious in characterizing the incidence of the virus, but, in light of the experience in other countries (particularly in Italy) and the number of patients already treated in the areas of greatest incidence In Spain, there is a coincidence in alerting not only of serious personal effects, but also of a serious risk of collapse of the health system . In its worst manifestations, the COVID-19 infection produces acute respiratory failure that requires ventilatory support in facilities adequately equipped with highly qualified health personnel: UCIS, intensivists, nursing personnel, etc. These units are not equipped to attend to the very high number of patients that COVID-19 could produce, in addition to the other contingencies that they ordinarily have to cover. The saturation of these centers, given the high and rapid spread of COVID-19, is extremely worrying, and affects the entire health system, beyond the current focus areas.

Although we think that there are no reasons for panic and that we are not and probably will not come to face an uncontrollable scenario, we must act decisively to avoid that the facts deny us. Therefore:

1. We call on the authorities to continue taking all necessary measures , following public health criteria, to contain the spread of the disease , so that all those affected can be cared for in the best possible conditions. It also seems necessary to us to implement economic, fiscal measures, etc., aimed at minimizing the social impact of the epidemic.

2. We demand that the population be made aware that extraordinary measures will have to be taken, which will involve serious sacrifices. The General Public Health Law obliges administrations to allow citizens to participate in defending against these crises . Administrations must take into account that, as responsible and caring adults that we are and with the right information, we will be willing to take the necessary sacrifices to protect ourselves . Furthermore, we even claim our right to be able to assume them.

3. On the other hand, we insist that it is everyone's responsibility to avoid the collapse of the health system, even if that implies suspending, for the period of time fully determined by the health authorities, collective life in meetings that involve proximity or large crowds, until the flow of healthcare that our system can reasonably manage is restored .

4. The idea that this virus affected primarily a specific population at risk has been transmitted to us for a time. This has promoted an attitude somewhat neglected by those who were not part of it, something that is not ethically acceptable. What a minimally supportive ethic demands is that we act independently of the virus fatality rate in our population group , in order to efficiently protect the common good and our healthcare system. With saturated UCIS, everyone is vulnerable.

5. We also believe that with minimal personal discipline it is possible to reduce the spread of the disease . We must act with a high degree of responsibility towards ourselves and towards others.

6. We must not help the virus to spread. The time has come for responsibility and civic duties. It is the moment in which we must all protect ourselves . May each of us be a shield between the virus and all the others.

1. Pablo de Lora Deltoro (Autonomous University of Madrid)

2. Íñigo de Miguel Beriaín (UPV / EHU. Ikerbasque. Basque Foundation for Science)

3. Antonio Manuel Peña Freire (University of Granada)

4. María José González Ordovás (University of Zaragoza)

5. Pedro Serna Bermúdez (University of Coruña)

6. Juan Antonio García Amado (University of León)

7. Félix Ovejero (University of Barcelona)

8. Fernando H. Llano Alonso (University of Seville)

9. JJ Moreso Mateos (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)

10. Jesús Ignacio Delgado Rojas (Carlos III University of Madrid)

11. Federico de Montalvo Jääskeläinen (Comillas Pontifical University-ICADE)

12. Josu de Miguel Bárcena (University of Cantabria)

13. Miguel Ángel Pacheco Rodríguez (University of Castilla-La Mancha)

14. David Mejía (IE University)

15. María Serena Olsaretti (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)

16. F. Javier Blázquez Ruiz (Public University of Navarra)

17. José Miguel Martín Rodríguez (Pablo de Olavide University)

18. Jesús Vega López (University of Alicante)

19. Jesús Ballesteros Llopart (University of Valencia)

20. Eusebio Fernández García (Carlos III University of Madrid)

21. Margarita Castilla Barea (University of Cádiz)

22. Santiago Sastre Ariza (University of Castilla-La Mancha)

23. Enrique V. de Mora Quirós (University of Cádiz)

24. Antonio Diéguez Lucena (University of Málaga)

25. Alberto del Real Alcalá (University of Jaén)

26. Masao Javier López Sako (University of Granada)

27. Juan Ramón de Páramo (University of Castilla- La Mancha)

28. Alfonso J. García Figueroa (University of Castilla- La Mancha)

29. Mª Begoña Molina Baena (Hospital de la Princesa. Madrid)

30. Jorge Málem Señal (Pompeu Fabra University)

31. Juan Carlos Siurana Aparisi (University of Valencia)

32. María Laura Manrique (CONICET-UDG)

33. Maria Pina Fersini (University of Málaga)

34. Encarnación Fernández Ruiz-Gálvez (University of Valencia)

35. José Calvo González (University of Málaga)

36. Francisco Miguel Bombillar Sáenz (University of Granada)

37. Narciso Martínez Morán (UNED)

38. Macario Alemany García (University of Alicante)

39. Ana Boto de los Bueis (La Paz University Hospital)

40. David Rodríguez-Arias Vailhen (University of Granada)

41. Joaquín Sarrión Esteve (UNED)

42. Juan Ramón Rallo (Francisco Marroquín University)

43. José Luis Martí Màrmol (Pompeu Fabra University)

44. José López Hernández (University of Murcia)

45. María Jorqui Azofra (University of Granada)

46. ​​Emilio José Armanza Armanza (University of Deusto / Deustuko Unibertsitatea)

47. Miguel Ángel Quintana Paz (Miguel de Cervantes European University)

48. María Luisa Palazón Garrido (University of Granada)

49. Ana María Marcos del Cano (UNED).

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