Bogotá DC, July 16, 2020. Francisco Becerra, United Nations consultant and former PAHO/WHO Deputy Director for Mexico, spoke in the Prevention and Action program about the commitments that must be made as citizens face the covid-19 pandemic. He also commended the development of ventilator prototypes in our country.

"Each one of us has a great responsibility facing the pandemic and a commitment in relation to what we are going to do to cope with the damage caused by covid-19, for example a family that goes on a trip running the risk of being infected. Here we must raise awareness," he indicated in the Prevention and Action program of the Presidency of the Republic.

In his participation from Mexico, he stated that "as in any other health situation, it is not a question of leaving the entire responsibility to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the National Government or health personnel; we must all contribute together in this responsibility with prevention and maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

"If I take care of myself, I take care of my loved ones and other members of society. That is one of the main messages that we have to have," he maintained.

Additionally, he made a call for social distancing, stressing that "in this pandemic, if I do not comply with personal distance, if I insist on hugging, organizing parties, meetings and taking long week-ends, we are going to have a serious problem regarding the number of infections."

Lastly, he spoke of the support that older adults require from their caregivers and family members. "The reflection is that if we do not take care of ourselves, we are not going to be able to take care of the older people. We have to support the elderly to prevent them from leaving their homes, and help with social work," he said.